Last month, a woman required attention from water rescue units after she fell out of her raft and was caught in the current of the Lehigh River. Thankfully, she received help in time.

Despite the recent incident, outfitters in the area reassure the public that circumstances like this are rare, and they can be easily avoided if people follow directions.According to Logan Goddard, assistant river manager for Pocono Whitewater, "Companies like Pocono Whitewater have incredible safety records, years of experience, and measures put into place to ensure that if something does happen we can react to the situation appropriately."However, it is important to prepare before taking a three- to seven-hour rafting adventure by dressing, hydrating, eating and preparing for the sun appropriately."The truth is that whitewater by its very nature is a dynamic hazardous environment, and without proper training it is easy to underestimate various aspects of any situation," Goddard said.Although U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are worn at all times, Jerry McAward from Jim Thorpe River Adventures said that the ability to swim is necessary so that rafters don't panic if they fall out of the raft.A recent survey from the American Red Cross found that 54 percent of Americans cannot swim or lack all basic swimming skills.Michael Yoo from Pocono Whitewater tells rafters a simple strategy: "If you fall out, hold onto your paddle. Don't ever try to stand up. If you see only darkness and bubbles, roll over."Anyone interested in rafting should be content that river guides are properly trained to handle any situation.Swimming in a cold river, however, is unlike swimming in a pool.Trips are organized in what Goddard refers to as a "point, sweep, roam" format where guides are in front of the trip, behind the trip and dispersed throughout the middle. This ensures that no rafter is overlooked and can be easily assisted when necessary.All guides, regardless of the company for which they work, have undergone proper training and are certified in first aid and CPR.Concern for rafters occurs before and after their time on the river, and outfitters assess all variables before heading into the water, including weather.If a storm hits without any warning, guides are prepared to endure it."In the rare event that we're out in lightning, we keep moving, stay in the rafts, and stay under the tips of the trees that arch out over the water," McAward said.He adds, "We concern ourselves with cold temperatures, wind, sunburn and a host of other things that Mother Nature can dish out."Because of the rainy spring, water is predicted to be higher this year, which is good news for rafters.Before the group heads onto the river, a river guide gives an information session on safety. The session includes how to sit properly in the raft, what to do if the raft is stuck on a rock, what to do if one falls into the water and the different paddle signals that will be used by river guides.The signals allow guides to ask rafters if they need assistance, if there is a dire emergency or when it is OK to stop paddling and just float.For anyone who is fearful of whitewater rafting, perhaps an EasyWater trip would be a better option. "It is the section most easily done by young folks, old folks and any apprehensive people," McAward said.On the other hand, those who are extremely daring are permitted to enter the water without a guide, but must obey rules given by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.People using canoes or kayaks should wear a helmet and are required to add sufficient flotation to their watercraft in case it becomes filled with water. For whitewater sections of the river, inflatable watercrafts are required and those made of PVC or vinyl are prohibited.Whether you plan on entering the water with an outfitter or on your own, preparation is crucial.