What should you do when approaching rapids?

When approaching rapids, the best course of action is to go ashore well upstream to evaluate the situation. This allows you to assess the conditions of the rapids safely and make informed decisions. By taking this step, you can observe the water flow, any obstacles, and the overall safety of navigating through the rapids. It provides an opportunity to determine the best route or to decide if you should avoid the rapids entirely.

Continuing downstream quickly can be very dangerous, as it does not allow for a thorough assessment of the hazards that may be present. Calling for help may not be practical, especially if you haven't evaluated the situation and made a decision about your own safety yet. Dropping anchor in the middle of the river can lead to capsizing or being carried downstream into potentially hazardous areas, as it does not provide a solution to the challenges posed by the rapids. Overall, assessing the situation from the safety of the shore is the most prudent approach.