Raft Warning

I feel compelled to add my voice to “Rapid Transit” (Weekend Escape, Sept. 11).

My then-15-year-old son, Matt, and I went rafting on the American River several years ago. We, too, were told to float feet-first, hold on to the oar and remain calm if we fell in. We did indeed fall in! Your readers need to know that this can be truly treacherous. Not only can you not float feet-first because you are so disoriented, grasping the oar is also nearly impossible.

Matt and I will never forget “Satan’s Cesspool” as our fall-in rapid was aptly named. Nor will Tony, a friend who hit his hand on a rock and permanently disfigured his finger. It’s serious business on a raft--not all fun and games.

BARBARA JOHN GRUBMAN

Woodland Hills