Mothering Through White Water Rapids
Sunburns, ant bites, and other predicaments while rafting the Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Warnings
The Grand Canyon remains an incredibly remote area of the Southwest. If someone gets hurt on a rafting trip inside the Grand Canyon, anything beyond basic first aid requires being helicoptered out.
People get flown out for all kinds of reasons: twisted ankles, snake bites, dehydration, allergic reactions, stitches — the list is probably as exhaustive as humans themselves.
The sun is the greatest nemesis; dehydration can impair judgement, making a person more prone to having an accident. Our tour company advised us to drink lots of water, lather up with sunscreen, and cover up with long shirts and sarongs.
They also warned us about scorpions and ant bites, neither deadly, but both very uncomfortable experiences.
As a mom of two daughters, I felt prepared for our 8-day adventure. I had all the supplies packed, or so I thought.
Besides, we were traveling with a group of doctors. If anything went awry, surely someone would have some good medical advice.
