THE experience of travelling along the Murray River comes with its dangers.
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Recent statistics from the Respect The River campaign have brought to light the need for river users to be safe.
Murray River Canoe Hire owner David Breedon said it was also completely safe if river users were clued in on safety.
The business has been running for 25 years and has numerous regular customers.
“We emphasise people bring a positive attitude along,” he said.
“We provide instructions, basic canoeing skills, and we explain in great detail how the river works.”
Mr Breedon said the company had an extensive list of procedures in place to keep those in the canoes free from harm.
“You have to be alert on the river,” he said.
Mr Breedon compared the experience to driving a car distracted.
“You wouldn’t drive with your foot on the accelerator talking to the people in the backseat and just steer away, you have to look where you’re going," he said.
Mr Breedon emphasised safety could owning or purchasing something that floats and having it while on the river.
“A foam noodle may not be a lifesaving device, but it will keep you buoyant, and that’s the primary thing I can’t stipulate enough,” he said.
“I tell people not to take their personal flotation device off.”
Cramp was one of the significant factors of people who were unable to be saved.
“Even in the summer you may get a cramp,” he said.
“I instil into people about why we give them a PFD and explain to them how the river works.”
Mr Breedon said the Murray had plenty to offer in terms of enjoyment.
“It’s very under-utilised by a lot of people,” he said.
“The enjoyable thing about the Murray is it’s a nice clean river, it maintains a good level in the summer and is out there for everyone to use.”
Long-time river user Tony Zerbst said a major concern was people, especially teenagers, jumping from trees and bridges.
“I know two people who ended up in wheelchairs from jumping,” he said.
“The river is constantly changing, at one moment it could be clear and the next you might snag on a tree branch half a metre under the water.”
Mr Zerbst said his 40 years of experience on the Murray had allowed him to become intimate with its movements.
“I know the river like the back of my hand,” he said.
“I know what to avoid but there is always less time to react to any snags when going downstream.
“I have a healthy respect for it.”
He said roads were more dangerous.
“The river is not something people should fear, you just have to know things can go wrong if you’re not careful.”