In a commercial fatality on Montana's Gallatin River, William Spath, 53 was tossed from his raft at House Rock Rapid on June 19. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports that the river was 1.5 feet below flood-stage, but still very high. He drowned after a violent swim in very cold water.
DESCRIPTION: In a commercial fatality on Montana 's Gallatin River , William Spath, 53, was tossed from his raft at House Rock Rapid on June 19, 1996. The river was 1.5 feet below flood-stage, but this is still quite high. Although a one boat trip, there were people on shore with safety lines. Despite this, Mr. Spath drowned after a violent swim in very cold water.
SOURCE: Bozeman Daily Chronicle
ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Flush-drowning, the term used to describe accidents in which a paddler drowns while swimming a long distance in rapids in a PFD, is a recurring problem in river rafting accidents. It can effect parties of any skill level. When a raft flips, many people are thrown into the water. They often become separated, making recovery difficult. Some rafters, both commercial and private, travel in one-boat trips, so there is no one around to pick up swimmers. Unusually high water contributed to most of the incidents described above.
