Friendly Reminder of Matters for Attention Before River Tracing
River tracing not only allows participants to appreciate the beautiful scenery of Taiwan's river gorges, but also enjoy the cool air in the heat of summer. It has gradually developed into a popular outdoor activity for cooling off. As summer approaches, the Sports Administration (SA) urges the public to carefully choose legal operators before participating in river tracing activities, confirm the safety of the water area and ensure safety protection before entering the water, and follow the instructions of river tracing guide for self-protection to reduce the risk of accidents.
River tracing activity, also known as canyoning, is a combined activity that involves moving through rivers, gorges and other water areas and adjacent areas, or performing technical climbing or rappelling depending on the needs of the terrain. As the beautiful scenery and miraculous handiwork of nature can be appreciated during the activity, river tracing attracts many outdoor enthusiasts. However, river tracing can cause accidents or regrettable incidents due to factors such as environment, weather interpretation, equipment, familiarity with water area terrain or negligence.
To maintain the safety of river tracing and protect the rights and interests of consumers, the SA invites local county and city governments to annually review and provides guidance to operators engaged in river tracing within their jurisdictions. Before the activities, implementation plans must be reported to the local competent authority where the activities are held, a sufficient number of river tracing guides or safety personnel allocated, equipment that meets safety standards worn, complete emergency response measures formulated, and sufficient public accident liability insurance purchased, so that everyone can safely enjoy river tracing.
Summer vacation is the peak season for outdoor and water activities. The SA reminds the public that before participating in river tracing activities, they should confirm the weather is suitable and pay attention to river changes at all times; check equipments, including helmets, river tracing shoes and life jackets, and wear them correctly; choose licensed operators carefully and pay attention to whether the life-saving equipment in the river tracing area is all in place; keep in mind safe movements and basic skills, avoid being left alone or walking alone during the activity, and pay attention to your physical condition and environmental conditions such as water flow, soil, rocks and weather at all times. In rivers and gorges, when dark clouds begin to cover the upper reaches, the water becomes turbid, thunder is heard, or rain begins to fall, the instructions of the river tracing guide to stop the activity should be followed, and a safe area moved to immediately to prevent tragedy from happening.
The SA stated that to protect the natural environment, ecology and water resources, people should demand of themselves when participating in river tracing activities to not throw away objects, garbage or food waste during river tracing activities, to do their bit for the sustainable development of the ecological environment.
