Big Hole River at high water. Make sure you have everything before floating.
Safety any time you're on the water begins with preparation.
For the wading angler this means gearing up for safety (and comfort) before going out.
Comfort, you say? If you're miserable it follows that you might put yourself in danger. Getting chilled in a sudden downpour might not lead to hypothermia, but why take the chance?
Slick-soled sandals or running shoes instead of purpose-built wading footwear? I've done it and survived the falls, but I've outgrown that silliness and don't recommend it.
In addition to good wading gear I've needed everything on the comfort and safety checklists: Polarized and UV-protected glasses (all the time), lightweight rain gear, warm layers, broad-brimmed hat, a serviceable four-inch lock-back knife with a combination serrated and plain blade, small portable first aid kit, plenty of water and high energy snacks and a meal if you'll be out more than a couple of hours.
I want all of those things, plus terminal tackle and hardware, ready at hand whether I'm wading or floating.
The first thing to do if you plan to float - in your boat or someone else's - is to get your first aid training updated. I'm alarmed at how many river floaters don't hold a current first aid card.
Get one - please - and keep it up to date.
Two common river emergencies are hypothermia and heat exhaustion. You either know what to do or you don't. I can't emphasize strongly enough - get the first aid training and a first aid kit that is designed for the job at hand.
You can buy first aid kits assembled specifically for floating rivers under the NRS brand name. Look for an NRS dealer. These kits have been thoughtfully put together and tweaked over time. They contain what you'll need for any likely river emergency.
Floating or wading, my personal first aid kit stays with me all the time. It is a used prescription pill bottle marked with a red cross on the top and sides with a red Sharpie. I spindle two broad Band-Aids around my finger, and let them un-spindle against the walls of the bottle. Then I'll push a small sample envelope of antiseptic ointment against the Band-Aids, and in the remaining space I'll drop in the tail end of a pack of antacids, a couple of analgesics and antihistamines along with any personal meds that might be needed in the field.
That compact, waterproof first aid kit and a knife will cover most of what will happen when you're out on the stream - improvise and put your first aid training to work from there. If that simple kit isn't enough, get off the stream and seek aid.
Float trips last longer and require more preparation than wade trips.
Montana state law requires a personal floatation device (PFD, life jacket) aboard for every passenger and kids under 12 are to wear theirs at all times.
I simplify that regulation a little. I like the NRS Chinook vest, a combination minimalist fly fishing vest and PFD. It's not too bulky. I wear mine as a matter of course when I'm floating. There's no second-guessing or scramble to find it and put it on when approaching a snag or a rapids.
The state requires that you have a spare oar aboard and common sense requires that you have it rigged where you can grab it in a hurry.
When I was guiding I carried three dry bags: two medium-sized bags of different colors, one for each client. Strapped near their seats, they had easy access to extra clothing and personal items.
In a bigger bag I stowed my own layers and raingear, a Leatherman multitool, extra rain ponchos (one size fits all) and a couple of XXL sweatshirts (handy if somebody takes a dunking) fire starter, lightweight seven foot by ten foot tarp and nails wrapped in baling twine for an emergency shelter, fresh packs of tissues and a small trowel. On top of this gear I stow the first aid kit, throw bag and carabiners, repellent and sunscreen and baked goods that I didn't want to get soggy in the cooler.
Pack the cooler with plenty of water and high protein snacks in addition to the planned meal and beverages. You want to bring several bottles of water back from your trip. Plenty means plenty. Dehydration on the river is a sneaky danger. My rule of thumb to avoid dehydration: Guzzle until you slosh.
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