In order to ford a river, you need to clearly know all the safety rules, since reckless behavior can lead to serious consequences. It is necessary to cross the river for the first time in the presence of an instructor, since it will not be possible to glean all the important information only from literature, without resorting to practice. You will learn all the subtleties and details of organizing crossings by reading this article.

Before organizing a river crossing, you need to correctly assess the situation in order to choose the appropriate method, as well as draw conclusions about the effectiveness of such an undertaking. As you know, there are no unsolvable problems, but sometimes the right option is to choose a workaround.

What you need to know before crossing the river

Often, during separate hikes, especially in mountainous areas, there are rivers on the routes of tourist travelers, which can become a serious obstacle for an unprepared person. To organize a river crossing, you first need to evaluate it according to four criteria:

• width;
• depth;
• bottom surface;
• flow.

A strong current, even with a small depth and width of the river, will create additional difficulties when crossing. In the case of a mountain river, the criteria are even more important, since they can change noticeably (soft sign) depending on the meteorological situation (rain, thunderstorm, melting snow, etc.).

Attention! It is not safe to ford a river with a strong current (current with a speed of more than 3 m/s). In this case, you should refuse the crossing.

Let's take measurements

In order to determine the flow speed, you can use the simplest arithmetic equation: V=S/T. In the equation, V is the speed of the current, S is the distance traveled by the object, and T is the time it took the object to travel that path. It is most convenient for two people to organize such measurements on the ground. To do this you need:

• you and your companion stand parallel to the river at a measured distance S from each other;
• throw an object into the water, for example a small piece of wood;
• detect the time T during which the object will cover a section of the measured path S.

Formula for calculating current speed

You can find out the depth of the river using several indicators. If the water hazard is not very wide, it will be enough to arm yourself with a branch of the maximum available length that can be found nearby. After, having probed the bottom in several places, find the maximum result by examining the border of the moistened section of the branch. This method will also allow you to find out the bottom surface, thanks to the remains of sand or other substance at the end of the stick. In cases where the width of the river does not allow measuring the depth from the bank, you will need to navigate by visual indicators. For example, small ripples or waves with the formation of so-called “wings” on the surface will mean aground. A calm water surface in the presence of at least minimal wind (almost calm) indicates great depth. Typically, this behavior is typical for a river bed with a depth of 2-3 meters.

Method for measuring the width of a river

If you do not often take your laser tape measure with you on a hike, then you will be faced with the question of how to find out the distance to the other bank, that is, the width of the river. For this there is a not very accurate, but very simple method, the knowledge of which will be completely sufficient on a hike. The method is based on a proportional change in the angle of the field of view and distance. To organize such measurements you need:

• pick up a blade of grass or a thin straight branch;
• select two stationary objects on the opposite bank, located at a distance from each other (trees, stones or relief features that can act as conditional points);
• take a branch or blade of grass and, with outstretched arms (constantly watch this), position it so that its ends visually touch conventional points (selected objects);
• Having broken the branch in half as evenly as possible, take it in the same way and begin to move back until the objects are again at its ends.
• measure the distance you travel from the location at the start and end of the event.

This distance will be the width of the river. Based on such data, you can calculate the required amount of materials to organize a crossing, for example, using logs.

How to find out the width of a river

The method can be used in a different order, using a blade of grass that was initially folded in half and, when approaching the river, unfold it to its full size.

Ways to cross the river

River fording is the most common method of crossing water bodies, but just like other methods, it will require a little preparation for safety reasons. Of course, this option is only possible if the depth does not exceed half a meter for mountain rivers or a little more for rivers with lower currents. To ford, you need to choose a place where the river floods the widest. To cross, you need to be equipped with a strong support (stick), about 2.5 meters long (higher than your height with an outstretched arm), which can support your weight. The support performs several roles:

• helps maintain balance;
• allows you to probe the bottom one step forward.

It is rare to find ideal conditions for crossing a river, since walking along the riverbed for a long time is a tedious task. It is advisable to wade in dangerous areas in groups, where the most experienced participant crosses the river first as a reconnaissance. The pole used as a support is placed against the current. If the pole rests against the bottom in the current, it can be washed away at any moment, which most likely will lead to loss of balance. During a group crossing, several methods are used to provide additional safety. The simplest option is when the second participant holds on to the first participant who has support. The role of the second participant is to hold the first by the hips with emphasis, creating additional pressure on the bottom. When crossing the river one at a time, a rope is used to secure the first participant. Having securely fastened the rope to the person, the rope is grabbed at an angle by the tree, which allows for greater resistance. As they cross the river, the participants on the shore gradually add the length of the cable.

Attention! Try to keep the rope taut, this will prevent it from falling into the water. In a river, a poorly tensioned cable can get caught on rocks or other obstacles.

River crossing with safety ropes

The participant who reaches the opposite bank first will be able to hook the cable onto a tree or other support. Having made a rope handrail in this way and holding on to it, the rest of the travelers will be able to safely cross to the other side. For even greater safety, carabiners can be used with the handrail.

River crossing

Also, after the group manages to transport one of the participants to the opposite bank, it will be possible to organize a canopy crossing across the river. There are two types of canopy crossings, which can be divided according to the transition:

• vertical (participants hold on to the top rope while standing on the bottom);
• horizontal (there are also two ropes here, but only one is used as a support; the second can be used to transport goods or, in critical situations, victims).

Example of a suspended crossing for vertical movement

When crossing suspended crossings, carabiners are often used. Organizing a vertical crossing without a carabiner is not possible, since the lower rope is attached to the upper rope using it. If with a crossing in a vertical position everything is obvious and to organize it it is enough to securely fasten the ends of the ropes to the doors using any knot, for example, a figure eight, and tension the structure, then in the case of a horizontal crossing, where there is a transport rope, everything will be a little more complicated. The bottom rope here does not experience any tension, but is used to move loads. The top rope should be as tight as possible, and a carabiner attached to the conductor (knot) on a movable cable clings to it.

Scheme of construction of a suspended crossing

How to get out of the swamp

Traveling through swampy areas is not the best option for entertainment. But, if the situation leaves you no choice, you need to know what to do. It is worth understanding that walking through a swamp is impossible. With every step it will suck you deeper and deeper, and any rash actions can only aggravate the situation. There is one effective option for getting out of the swamp. When stepping into the swamp, arm yourself with a stick taller than you are tall. If you find yourself in a swamp, do not try to walk along the bottom, it is not there. Place the stick in a horizontal position, shift your weight and lean on it. After this, you need to put maximum effort on the stick, without making unnecessary movements with your legs. It is very difficult to pull yourself up in this way, but this is the only option that will allow you to get out of the swamp. By pulling yourself up, you move your body higher and higher with each effort, until you find yourself closer to the surface of the swamp. At this stage, the area of ​​contact with the surface will be maximum, and you will be able to stay on the surface. Once on the surface, you need to crawl on your bellies until you reach the shore.

In swampy areas like nowhere else, it is advisable to be in a group, since your companion, while still on solid ground, will be able to help you get out by extending a stick or even just a hand.

Whether it's fording a river or a swamp that suddenly appears on your way, you always need to be prepared, as just a few simple safety rules will save your life. It is also worth remembering that traveling alone or in a group of inexperienced participants is not the best idea.

In conclusion, watch the video about crossing the river with a pulley:

Do you want to travel with Perprava? We are waiting for you on and in.

The peasant bought a goat, a head of cabbage and a wolf at the market. On the way home we had to cross the river. The peasant had a small boat, which could only fit one of his purchases besides him.
How can he transport all the goods across the river if he cannot leave the goat alone with the cabbage and the wolf alone with the goat?

First, transport the goat to the other side. Then return for the cabbage, bring it to the shore to the goat, swap their places (leave the cabbage on the shore and the goat in your boat), and with the goat in the boat go to the other shore to the wolf. Land the goat and take the wolf on board, take the wolf to the cabbage on the other side. Go and bring a goat.
The problem is solved.

Cannibals and missionaries

Three missionaries and three cannibals must cross the river. They have one boat that only fits two people. To avoid tragedy, more cannibals than missionaries should not be left together.
How to cross the river?

1 cannibal and 1 missionary there, missionary back.
2 cannibals there, 1 cannibal back.
2 missionaries there, 1 missionary and 1 cannibal back.
2 missionaries there, 1 cannibal back.
And this cannibal takes the other cannibals to the other side.

Family

A father, mother and two children - a son and a daughter - must cross the river. There was a fisherman nearby who could lend them his boat. However, the boat can only accommodate one adult or two children.
How can a family cross the river and return his boat to the fisherman?

Children are transported first.
The son returns to his mom and dad.
Dad goes to the shore to see his daughter, then the daughter goes after her brother and returns with him to dad.
The son goes to his mother, gives her a boat so that she can swim across to dad and daughter.
After the mother has crossed, the daughter gets into the boat and goes to her brother, picks him up, and together they go to her parents.
The daughter stays with her parents, and the son goes to the fisherman and gives him the boat.
The fisherman goes to his parents and disembarks.
The daughter sits down and goes after her brother, brings him back with her (finally the whole family is together again), they give the boat to the fisherman.
The boat crossed the river 13 times.

People and monkeys

Three people, one big and two small monkeys must cross the river. There is one boat that can fit no more than two. Only people and the big monkey know how to row. It is impossible for more monkeys to stay together than people, otherwise the monkeys will eat the people. Monkeys may jump ashore when the boat docks.
How can they cross the river?

Fear of the dark

One family needs to get to the other side of a long, narrow and very dark tunnel. A father can go through a tunnel in 1 minute, a mother in 2 minutes, a son in 4 minutes, and a daughter in 5 minutes. They have one torch that lasts exactly 12 minutes. No more than two people with a torch can walk in the tunnel.
How can the whole family get to the other side of the tunnel if everyone is afraid of the dark?

Crossing the river - game

The goal of the game is to transport all the people across the river, observing the following rules:

1. There can be no more than 2 people on the ferry.
2. Only adults (father, mother and policeman) can operate the ferry.
3. The father cannot be with the girls in the absence of the mother.
4. The mother cannot be with the boys in the absence of the father.
5. A thief cannot be with any family members in the absence of a police officer.

Click the circle to start the game.
Click a character to take him to the ferry.
Click the red handle to send the ferry to the other side.

Jumping frogs - game

Swap the frogs. The three frogs on the left must move 3 stones to the right, and the three frogs on the right must move 3 stones to the left.

Each frog can only jump forward onto an adjacent stone if it is empty, or onto an empty stone behind the adjacent frog.
Click "REINICIAR" to get started.

Flowers

How many flowers do I have if all of them, with the exception of two, are roses; and also all of them, with the exception of two, are tulips; other than that, all but two of them are daisies?

Subtraction

How many times can you subtract the number 2 from the number 32?

While passing through a small town, a tourist decided to get a haircut. There were only two hairdressers in the city, one on Vostochnaya Street, the other on Western Street. The hairdresser on Vostochnaya was in disarray, and the hairdresser himself had a disgusting haircut. The hairdresser on Zapadnaya was clean, and the hairdresser’s hair looked like a movie star’s.
Which of the two hair salons did the visitor go to and why?

The newcomer headed to the hairdresser on East Street. He reasoned: “If there are only two barber shops in the city, then the barber on East Street must have had his hair cut by the barber on West Street, and vice versa.” So if a visitor wants to look as attractive as the West Street barber (the one with the great hair), he needs to go to the same person who cut the West Street barber's hair, that is, the East Street barber.
And one more thing: the hairdresser on Western Street is so clean and tidy because there are quite a few clients there.

Murder in the Desert

A, B and C were crossing the desert. A decided to kill S, poured poison into his water at night and left the caravan. B also wanted to kill S. Not knowing that the water was already poisoned, that same night he made a hole in S’s waterskin and drove away from the caravan. S was left alone without water and died of thirst a few days later.
Who is the killer, A or B?

Not so simple. In my opinion, there is no clear answer to this question. Every point of view has the right to exist. Most believe that A was the killer. Lawyer B would definitely have mentioned two facts: first, pouring poisoned water out of someone's bag does not mean killing that person; and secondly, B extended the life of C without knowing it (he could have died from poisoning much faster than from thirst). However, A's lawyer could make the following argument in defense of his client: "Why is A guilty of the death of C if C did not drink a drop of poison?" Mathematician and philosopher Raymond Merrill Smullyan summed up his views on justice, morality and logic in relation to this case. From a moral point of view, it is clear that A and B are guilty of attempting to commit a crime. From the point of view of justice, the two different types of charges that can be brought against them differ significantly in the punishment chosen.
And logic gives us the opportunity to write an entire book based on just this case.

Older twin

One fine day it was Kerry's birthday. And two days later it was her twin brother Terry’s birthday. How did this happen?
This riddle took first place in the “How so?” competition. in Games Magazine in 1992.

Task: transport people to the other side of the river, observing the following rules;

How to play Japanese River Crossing: 1. A policeman cannot leave a criminal alone with people.
2. A father cannot leave his sons alone with their mother, and the mother of their daughters with their father.
3. Children cannot float on a raft alone.
4. The raft does not return on its own and carries no more than 2 people at a time;
Control: mouse. Start game - round blue button. Then try the modern film adaptation of this game ">

Expand this game to full screen

Other games in this series and similar games

Puzzle games - Japanese river crossing

A complex logic game that requires high concentration, well suited for the development of schoolchildren and students. A very popular logic game on the global Internet, it is among the top most popular logic games in the world at the level of the Tower of Hanoi and is only slightly inferior to mahjong, chess, and tetris in popularity. A beautiful puzzle with a beautiful solution and simple implementation in Flash has won the love of Internet users and earned itself a reputation over time. Logic games are very useful for a person’s own development.

Good day to all!
In this post I want to talk about a method for crossing a river using a chain hoist. I hope the information will be useful))
A little theory from Wikipedia
Polyspast - (from the Greek polyspastos - pulled by many ropes) is a mechanism consisting of a system of movable and fixed blocks encircled by a cable for lifting and moving loads. It allows you to gain power. But at the same time, the speed and distance traveled by the object being moved decrease in direct proportion to the increase in force.
The chain hoist has many uses and can be used to lift heavy loads, pull a car out of the mud, carry out rescue operations, or guide a river crossing.
By and large, pulleys can be made in different ways (depending on the availability of equipment), but the approximate diagram looks like this

The pulley can be pulled from a double rope; for this there is special equipment and “sophisticated” methods of tying.
If there are no rollers, it is advisable to use titanium or steel carabiners as they create the least friction (titanium is better). They should be oval or pear-shaped.
It is advisable to have a small angle between the ropes of the pulley, as it is more convenient to pull and the gain in strength is greater.
The convenience of making a crossing using a pulley is that when tensioning, you can use gripping knots that will hold the rope in tension for you and prevent it from weakening. For a normal Prusik, the main rope must have a diameter of 9-14mm, and the cord must have a diameter of 6-7mm.


The Prusik can be replaced with Bachmann knots (a carbine is needed), Gard knots (two carabiners), and an Austrian gripping knot.



Instead of gripping units, it is most effective to use clamps with “aggressive” cams. (Prohibited for use in some countries), I don’t know why.
I made a detailed video on creating a pulley system when crossing a river, and separately filmed all the main components and moments. I hope the material will be useful!

Three boys aged 12-14 years old took part in tensioning the rope; their strength was enough to pull the 60-meter rope to the state of a string. They pulled and knitted for about an hour. The gain in strength in the video was about 2.5 times (bad rollers and carabiner), ideally 3.4 times.
ACROSS THE CROSSING ITSELF
1. One person from the group ties the main rope on the opposite bank. It is advisable to use bayonet type knots (it will be easier to untie)


2. On the departure shore, the team pulls the crossing with a pulley, and fastens the ends of the ropes around the tree with a “noose” knot, or as shown in the video.


3. The entire team is transported to the other side. The person is attached using a carabiner harness and a roller (you don’t have to use a roller), or you can do without any systems (if your physical condition allows)
4. The latter must remember to fasten the end of the turnip cord to the carabiner of the noose - this is done so that the crossing can be removed. (pull)

In order to trade or transport building materials, people needed good communication routes. They learned to build them in ancient times: the oldest paved road was discovered in Egypt, it is about two and a half thousand years old. Three-ton blocks for the construction of the pyramids were delivered along it. But this is on level ground. What to do if there were obstacles such as a river or mountain along the way? I had to master the ability to build tunnels and bridges.

The simplest bridge is a floating deck. You may have come across pontoon bridges on rivers - structures made of hollow “balloons” floating on the surface of the water, along which a road is laid from bank to bank.

But such a structure interferes with navigation and is generally not applicable on fast rivers. It is best to throw a bridge over them, under which ships could move freely and nothing would impede the flow of the river. But this required special strength from the materials used.

A long time ago, wooden and stone bridges began to be built. The tree is quite light, but could not withstand heavy loads; the stone is strong, but its own weight prevented the lengthening of the spans between the supports. At the end of the 18th century, cast iron came to the rescue, and later, when heavy trains rushed across bridges, they switched to steel structures.

Whatever the bridge was made of, its construction required special knowledge. Only science could help builders by creating a whole system of calculations, thanks to which it became possible to erect seemingly lightweight openwork structures that could withstand previously unimaginable loads.

It is not for nothing that the creators of the ancient Roman aqueducts, before starting the construction of these complex structures, laid them stone by stone on the ground in a horizontal plane, as if drawing a life-size drawing. And the ancient Greeks made drawings directly on the surfaces of stone slabs from which they built temples.

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