Hiking
River Safety Month returns with lessons from real incidents
MSC’s October 2026 River Safety Month highlights four warning signs and the value of training, waiting and turning back on backcountry trips.
Mountain Safety Council has launched its second River Safety Month for October 2026, using real incidents to help trampers make better decisions around rivers.
Four signs to recognise
- Too fast: water is moving strongly.
- Too murky: you cannot judge the riverbed clearly.
- Too messy: debris is being carried downstream.
- Too loud: the river is roaring.
Build waiting or turning back into the plan
The campaign emphasises being prepared to stop, wait or turn around. A route that looks straightforward on a map can change after rain. Leave time and supplies for a delay, and learn river skills through practical training before relying on them in the backcountry.
Where to find the campaign
MSC is sharing personal accounts and river-safety resources during October. Its warning-sign stickers are available through participating Kathmandu, Macpac, Bivouac Outdoor and Hunting & Fishing stores, plus selected DOC visitor centres. Use the official campaign page for the resources and details.
Read next: River-crossing decisions for trampers.
Sources and photo credits
Sources checked 2 October 2026.
Photo: Makarora River landscape; not an incident photograph. Makarora River, Otago, New Zealand.jpg — Michal Klajban. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display.
