What Happens If You Fall Out of the Raft?

Safety overview: read about our guides, boats and safety gear in Köprülü Canyon.

Falling Out of the Raft Happens, and It Is Planned For

It is the question many first-timers are too shy to ask: what if I fall out of the boat? On a rafting trip, ending up in the water now and then is normal, and guides plan for it. In Köprülü Canyon the risk is lower than on many rivers, because the route is Class 1–2: short rapids with calm, clear pools between them. Plenty of guests jump in on purpose during the swimming stops.

Everyone wears a helmet and a life jacket from the moment the boat leaves the bank, so you float even if you have never learned to swim. What matters is knowing three simple steps, which the guides explain in the safety briefing on the riverbank before the start.

What to Do If You Fall In

1. Float on your back with your feet forward. Lie back in your life jacket and point your feet downstream, near the surface. Your feet take any bump from a rock instead of your head or knees.
2. Keep hold of your paddle. A paddle in your hand is easy for the crew to see, and it does not float away or hit someone.
3. Let the guide pull you in. The guide takes hold of your life jacket at the shoulders and pulls you back into the boat in one move. Do not try to climb in on your own.

How to Stay in the Boat

A few habits make a swim less likely. Sit on the side of the raft, not inside it, and tuck your feet into the boat so your legs hold you in place. Keep paddling when the guide says so; a paddling crew is more stable than one that stops and grabs the ropes. When you hear "hold on", lean towards the middle of the boat and keep your grip on the paddle.

If You Cannot Swim

Guests who cannot swim are welcome. Tell your guide before you get in, and you will be seated in a safer spot in the boat. The life jacket keeps you afloat, and if you do end up in the water the guide pulls you back in the same way. Our page on rafting when you can't swim has more detail.

What to Wear So a Swim Is Comfortable

Closed water shoes protect your feet if you stand up on rocks; flip-flops are not allowed in the boat. A swimsuit with a T-shirt or light top dries quickly. Leave phones and valuables in storage at the base, or use a waterproof case. The river is cold, so a quick dip is refreshing in summer and a real wake-up in winter.

Ready for the River?

Each boat has its own certified guide, and the route stays at Class 1–2, as explained in our rafting difficulty levels guide. Book on WhatsApp at +90 534 820 11 69.