11 River-Rafting Rapids and Safety Tips in Rishikesh

6. Hilton — Strong eddy and swirling water

Hilton gets its name from a nearby landmark and is known for a strong eddy that can trap a swimmer briefly if they’re not careful. The feature may present as a swirl or recirculating current near a rock or bend; it’s more of a technical hazard than a huge drop. Guides mark the best line well in advance and steer the raft to the safer side. If you do end up in the eddy, the standard advice is to remain calm, float on your back with feet downstream, and use your legs to fend off sharp rocks. Rescue procedures here are practiced by most certified operators; they use throwbags and quick maneuvering to extract swimmers safely. Hilton is a good test of crew coordination because one mistake can cascade into a longer recovery. For US travelers who value predictable safety, ask the operator how they train for eddies and whether kayakers patrol the run. If you plan to swim after the trip, avoid doing so near eddies — they can look shallow but hide strong undertows (source: uktravelcompany.com).