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~~{{fa}}~~Walking through marsh, bog, and swamp areas can be challenging, and it's important to be able to read the terrain and understand the techniques for effective movement. While you might have to cross a swamp on foot in an emergency, there are many reasons for wanting to do so for leisure reasons, including when hiking, hunting, looking for rare species, doing portage, or camping. In this article, you'll learn about the types of swamps, the techniques and even how to self-rescue if needed.

+

Walking through marsh, bog, and swamp areas can be challenging, and it's important to be able to read the terrain and understand the techniques for effective movement. While you might have to cross a swamp on foot in an emergency, there are many reasons for wanting to do so for leisure reasons, including when hiking, hunting, looking for rare species, doing portage, or camping. In this article, you'll learn about the types of swamps, the techniques and even how to self-rescue if needed.

[[Category:Backpacking and Hiking]]

−

[[Category:Hunting]]

+

[[Category: Hunting]]

== Steps ==

−

#'''Know your swamp, [[Care for a Striped Marsh Frog|marsh]], or bog.''' Not all swamps, marshes, or bogs are the same and some of them are more dangerous than others to be attempting to travel through. Things to bear in mind include depth, animals that lurk in the swamp, plant life ([[Make a Rooting Tonic|roots]] can entangle you or trip you), and other such potential problems. Some typical swamps and marshes include:<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

+

#'''Know your swamp, [[Care for a Striped Marsh Frog|marsh]], or bog.''' Not all swamps, marshes, or bogs are the same and some of them are more dangerous than others to be attempting to travel through. Things to bear in mind include depth, animals that lurk in the swamp, plant life ([[Make a Rooting Tonic|roots]] can entangle you or trip you), and other such potential problems. Some typical swamps and marshes include:<ref name="rf1">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

#*Mangrove swamp or marsh: These will be found in tropical coastal areas. It is a swamp that usually has soft mud, found around river mouths, deltas, inlets, and along shallow bays of small islands. The mangroves grow very closely together and there is usually still water surrounding them. Their roots are extremely [[Get off a Slippery Boat Ramp|slippery]], steep, and arching, and many of the mangroves create impenetrable masses of roots. Generally you will find these difficult places to walk in and the risk of slipping is high if walking on the root formations. If the water is also deep, you cannot simply wade through this type of swamp either. Use a small vessel if you need to travel through this type of swamp, noting that you may still have trouble getting around.

#*[[Plan Adventurous Belize Jungle Tours|Jungle]] swamp or marsh: these will often have very lush growth of tough and thick reeds that grow up to {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in height where there is plenty of water. Walking in a jungle marsh involves restricted observation at ground level to a few feet and the footing will be much less secure than any other jungle surface.

Line 9:

#* Salt swamps: These occur in the [[Xeriscape|arid]] areas and can turn into lakes during a rainy season. Due to their saltiness, few plants grow in them. They can be crossed easily when dry and crusty but when they're wet, they can have deep and sticky mud that is impassable.

#*Saltwater marsh: This forms as a result of tidal activity and is highly saline. These are located by the sea, in river deltas and intertidal zones. They are often covered with grass-like plants rather than bushes or trees. The main issue with crossing this kind of marsh is getting through the grass-like covering. Some marshes can be walked on top if they are thick enough. It is like walking on a trampoline because water is below the vegetative cover. Others you have to pull apart or crawl on your belly. Salt/Brackish water marshes in the South USA are favorites places of Alligators and Water Moccasin snakes, best to avoid and make a lot of noise. If you get bit by a snake here, it will be next to impossible in some cases to rescue you in time due to slow travel. Be careful when crossing open water, you might get caught by an incoming tide and being prepared to swim back if that happens, taking care to avoid [[Survive a Rip Tide|riptides]], strong currents, or undertows.

−

#*Sphagnum moss bogs: Sphagnum moss is the source of peat bogs. While these bogs appear shallow from the surface, the decay underneath creates layers of muck that a walker does '''not''' want to fall into. When [[Make a Moss Hanging Basket|sphagnum moss]] covers and entire pond, it can become what is known as a "quaking bog". This bog trembles or quakes under the walker's feet and if you get stuck in a quaking bog, and sink into the muck below, "escape is nearly impossible".<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 163, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> If the water below the bog is very deep, and there is nothing but sphagnum moss growing on top, there is nothing to grasp onto to pull oneself out. Peat bogs often have the remains of animals and even people who have fallen into them, kept immaculately for centuries owing to the bog's preserving acids. Know how to spot one and keep away!

+

#*Sphagnum moss bogs: Sphagnum moss is the source of peat bogs. While these bogs appear shallow from the surface, the decay underneath creates layers of muck that a walker does '''not''' want to fall into. When [[Make a Moss Hanging Basket|sphagnum moss]] covers and entire pond, it can become what is known as a "quaking bog". This bog trembles or quakes under the walker's feet and if you get stuck in a quaking bog, and sink into the muck below, "escape is nearly impossible".<ref name="rf2">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 163, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> If the water below the bog is very deep, and there is nothing but sphagnum moss growing on top, there is nothing to grasp onto to pull oneself out. Peat bogs often have the remains of animals and even people who have fallen into them, kept immaculately for centuries owing to the bog's preserving acids. Know how to spot one and keep away!

−

#'''Be aware that you can [[Avoid Drowning|drown]] in a swamp, marsh, or bog as easily as in any other body of water, even if it's shallow.''' This is because of the soft nature of the bio-silt beneath these water formations, which can add many more feet to the depth if you sink into it.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 164, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> In addition, bogs can seem secure but hide very deep water underneath the peat layer.

+

#'''Be aware that you can [[Avoid Drowning|drown]] in a swamp, marsh, or bog as easily as in any other body of water, even if it's shallow.''' This is because of the soft nature of the bio-silt beneath these water formations, which can add many more feet to the depth if you sink into it.<ref name="rf3">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 164, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> In addition, bogs can seem secure but hide very deep water underneath the peat layer.

#'''Know the beasts that might lurk in the swamp, marsh, or bog.''' If you're in snake country, be very careful for it's likely that the snakes use the swamps or marshes to travel. Swamps, marshes, and bogs also attract insects; have plenty of [[Make Natural Insect Repellent|insect repellent]] and try to maintain your hygiene to avoid accumulating body odor which will attract insects. Best to tie a strap around the bottom of your pant legs to keep leeches out.

#*And do your homework to know whether there are beasts such as crocodiles or [[Avoid an Alligator Attack|alligators]] in that water! Some bodies of water are just too unsafe to walk in because of the local wildlife.

#'''Dress for the swamp walk.''' There are several possibilities for footwear in a swamp, ranging from bare feet to [[Care for Hiking Boots|boots]] and waders; the choice will depend on the type of swamp and the safety needs. You should also wear a hat to protect your head from the sun, and if it's heavily infested with insects, add a head net for protection.

−

#*Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts that have a button down collar and cuffs.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

+

#*Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts that have a button down collar and cuffs.<ref name="rf4">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

−

#*Paul Tawrell, author of the massive tome "Camping & Wilderness Survival" recommends wearing the Vietnam Jungle Boot for swamp walking.<ref~~>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8<~~/~~ref~~> He says that this type of boot is lightweight, supportive and has meshed breather holes to let the water that gets into the boot escape.

+

#*Paul Tawrell, author of the massive tome "Camping & Wilderness Survival" recommends wearing the Vietnam Jungle Boot for swamp walking.<ref name="rf4" /> He says that this type of boot is lightweight, supportive and has meshed breather holes to let the water that gets into the boot escape.

#*You might consider [[Start Barefoot Hiking|walking barefoot]] but only if you know the depth of the swamp, the safety of the swamp in terms of animals, insects, and snarls, etc. Any roots, reeds, or litter (including old fencing) in a swamp, marsh, or bog presents a danger to a barefoot walker, as do leeches, [[Identify a Venomous Snake|snakes]], worms (in infested areas of the world), and even fish. It is much easier to sprain an ankle or break a toe by getting caught in root formations when you're bare foot.

#*Follow the lead of duck hunters. Wear hip boots or chest waders walking in the swamp. You don't ''have'' to, but it's preferable.

Line 37:

#*So, remember to take the second step before the first step hits bottom. As the second step is going down, pull up on the first one. Repeat the process. It takes a little skill and [[Achieve Overall Fitness|leg fitness]], but if you don't have that, what the heck are you doing walking around in the swamp anyway?!

#'''Use natural markers.''' Once you have negotiated a swamp, use natural markers like [[Plant a Tree|trees]] to remember where the passable areas are. After a while you'll get the feel for it and cruise through the swamp in a manner similar to walking on dry land.

−

#'''Know what to do if you do start sinking in.''' Treat sinking into a swamp, bog, or marsh in the same manner as for sinking into [[Get out of Quicksand|quicksand]] – indeed, contrary to common belief quicksand is rare in desert terrain but is found mostly in marshes and near rivers and lakes.<ref>David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8</ref> Here is what to do if you get caught in quicksand, sinking bio-silt, or mire:<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 169, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

+

#'''Know what to do if you do start sinking in.''' Treat sinking into a swamp, bog, or marsh in the same manner as for sinking into [[Get out of Quicksand|quicksand]] – indeed, contrary to common belief quicksand is rare in desert terrain but is found mostly in marshes and near rivers and lakes.<ref name="rf5">David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8</ref> Here is what to do if you get caught in quicksand, sinking bio-silt, or mire:<ref name="rf6">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 169, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

#*Do not [[Stop Panic Attacks|panic]], do not struggle, and do not flail about. These are all guaranteed to cause you to sink in deeper, and quickly.

#*Avoid trying to lift one foot as this will place all of your weight on the other foot, and you'll sink deeper.

−

#*Drop to your hands and knees. Sure, you're going to wet and very messy but that's better than the alternative of getting hopelessly stuck in or submerged by mud or quicksand. The surface area created by your hands, knees, and legs will help to distribute the weight more evenly across the swamp's surface, an area far wider than just your feet. If the mire beneath you feels too soft and you're still sinking after dropping to a [[Crawl|crawling]] position, lie down completely and be prepared to move only one part of your body at a time. The human body is less dense than quicksand, so aiming to "float" on it can reduce it to a nuisance rather than a danger.<ref~~>David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8<~~/~~ref~~>

+

#*Drop to your hands and knees. Sure, you're going to wet and very messy but that's better than the alternative of getting hopelessly stuck in or submerged by mud or quicksand. The surface area created by your hands, knees, and legs will help to distribute the weight more evenly across the swamp's surface, an area far wider than just your feet. If the mire beneath you feels too soft and you're still sinking after dropping to a [[Crawl|crawling]] position, lie down completely and be prepared to move only one part of your body at a time. The human body is less dense than quicksand, so aiming to "float" on it can reduce it to a nuisance rather than a danger.<ref name="rf5" />

#*Visualize yourself as a snake, and make snake-like movements to attempt to "float" out of the sinking area of the swamp. Head back in the direction you came from.

#'''Know [[Remove Leeches|how to remove leeches]] and check for any other waterborne beasts.''' When you emerge from a swamp, bog, or marsh, you might have some guests hitching a lift. Do a quick body check to remove leeches. If you're walking in an area known for disease vectors, know what to do to remove them or to prevent them from latching on (ask local doctors before walking, or read up the information).

Line 52:

*Don't do this alone, ever. Always have at least one companion with you. Preferably, one of you should be savvy about outdoor recreation knowledge and safety.

*Swamp walking can be very dangerous, as the hazards noted above have alerted you to. You must know what you're doing and have good outdoor experience before attempting to walk in swamps.

−

*Assume that all swamp water is polluted. Avoid drinking it. If beavers are upstream, the water can be contaminated from their urine, which can transmit tularemia.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 168, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

+

*Assume that all swamp water is polluted. Avoid drinking it. If beavers are upstream, the water can be contaminated from their urine, which can transmit tularemia.<ref name="rf7">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 168, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>

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Difference between revisions of "Walk in a Swamp"

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{fa}}Walking through marsh, bog, and swamp areas can be challenging, and it's important to be able to read the terrain and understand the techniques for effective movement. While you might have to cross a swamp on foot in an emergency, there are many reasons for wanting to do so for leisure reasons, including when hiking, hunting, looking for rare species, doing portage, or camping. In this article, you'll learn about the types of swamps, the techniques and even how to self-rescue if needed.
+Walking through marsh, bog, and swamp areas can be challenging, and it's important to be able to read the terrain and understand the techniques for effective movement. While you might have to cross a swamp on foot in an emergency, there are many reasons for wanting to do so for leisure reasons, including when hiking, hunting, looking for rare species, doing portage, or camping. In this article, you'll learn about the types of swamps, the techniques and even how to self-rescue if needed.
 [[Category:Backpacking and Hiking]]
-[[Category:Hunting]]
+[[Category: Hunting]]
 == Steps ==
-#'''Know your swamp, [[Care for a Striped Marsh Frog|marsh]], or bog.''' Not all swamps, marshes, or bogs are the same and some of them are more dangerous than others to be attempting to travel through. Things to bear in mind include depth, animals that lurk in the swamp, plant life ([[Make a Rooting Tonic|roots]] can entangle you or trip you), and other such potential problems. Some typical swamps and marshes include:<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
+#'''Know your swamp, [[Care for a Striped Marsh Frog|marsh]], or bog.''' Not all swamps, marshes, or bogs are the same and some of them are more dangerous than others to be attempting to travel through. Things to bear in mind include depth, animals that lurk in the swamp, plant life ([[Make a Rooting Tonic|roots]] can entangle you or trip you), and other such potential problems. Some typical swamps and marshes include:<ref name="rf1">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
 #*Mangrove swamp or marsh: These will be found in tropical coastal areas. It is a swamp that usually has soft mud, found around river mouths, deltas, inlets, and along shallow bays of small islands. The mangroves grow very closely together and there is usually still water surrounding them. Their roots are extremely [[Get off a Slippery Boat Ramp|slippery]], steep, and arching, and many of the mangroves create impenetrable masses of roots. Generally you will find these difficult places to walk in and the risk of slipping is high if walking on the root formations. If the water is also deep, you cannot simply wade through this type of swamp either. Use a small vessel if you need to travel through this type of swamp, noting that you may still have trouble getting around.
 #*[[Plan Adventurous Belize Jungle Tours|Jungle]] swamp or marsh: these will often have very lush growth of tough and thick reeds that grow up to {{convert|15|ft|m|1}} in height where there is plenty of water. Walking in a jungle marsh involves restricted observation at ground level to a few feet and the footing will be much less secure than any other jungle surface.
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 #* Salt swamps: These occur in the [[Xeriscape|arid]] areas and can turn into lakes during a rainy season. Due to their saltiness, few plants grow in them. They can be crossed easily when dry and crusty but when they're wet, they can have deep and sticky mud that is impassable.
 #*Saltwater marsh: This forms as a result of tidal activity and is highly saline. These are located by the sea, in river deltas and intertidal zones. They are often covered with grass-like plants rather than bushes or trees. The main issue with crossing this kind of marsh is getting through the grass-like covering. Some marshes can be walked on top if they are thick enough. It is like walking on a trampoline because water is below the vegetative cover. Others you have to pull apart or crawl on your belly. Salt/Brackish water marshes in the South USA are favorites places of Alligators and Water Moccasin snakes, best to avoid and make a lot of noise. If you get bit by a snake here, it will be next to impossible in some cases to rescue you in time due to slow travel. Be careful when crossing open water, you might get caught by an incoming tide and being prepared to swim back if that happens, taking care to avoid [[Survive a Rip Tide|riptides]], strong currents, or undertows.
-#*Sphagnum moss bogs: Sphagnum moss is the source of peat bogs. While these bogs appear shallow from the surface, the decay underneath creates layers of muck that a walker does '''not''' want to fall into. When [[Make a Moss Hanging Basket|sphagnum moss]] covers and entire pond, it can become what is known as a "quaking bog". This bog trembles or quakes under the walker's feet and if you get stuck in a quaking bog, and sink into the muck below, "escape is nearly impossible".<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 163, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> If the water below the bog is very deep, and there is nothing but sphagnum moss growing on top, there is nothing to grasp onto to pull oneself out. Peat bogs often have the remains of animals and even people who have fallen into them, kept immaculately for centuries owing to the bog's preserving acids. Know how to spot one and keep away!
+#*Sphagnum moss bogs: Sphagnum moss is the source of peat bogs. While these bogs appear shallow from the surface, the decay underneath creates layers of muck that a walker does '''not''' want to fall into. When [[Make a Moss Hanging Basket|sphagnum moss]] covers and entire pond, it can become what is known as a "quaking bog". This bog trembles or quakes under the walker's feet and if you get stuck in a quaking bog, and sink into the muck below, "escape is nearly impossible".<ref name="rf2">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 163, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> If the water below the bog is very deep, and there is nothing but sphagnum moss growing on top, there is nothing to grasp onto to pull oneself out. Peat bogs often have the remains of animals and even people who have fallen into them, kept immaculately for centuries owing to the bog's preserving acids. Know how to spot one and keep away!
-#'''Be aware that you can [[Avoid Drowning|drown]] in a swamp, marsh, or bog as easily as in any other body of water, even if it's shallow.''' This is because of the soft nature of the bio-silt beneath these water formations, which can add many more feet to the depth if you sink into it.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 164, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> In addition, bogs can seem secure but hide very deep water underneath the peat layer.
+#'''Be aware that you can [[Avoid Drowning|drown]] in a swamp, marsh, or bog as easily as in any other body of water, even if it's shallow.''' This is because of the soft nature of the bio-silt beneath these water formations, which can add many more feet to the depth if you sink into it.<ref name="rf3">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 164, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> In addition, bogs can seem secure but hide very deep water underneath the peat layer.
 #'''Know the beasts that might lurk in the swamp, marsh, or bog.''' If you're in snake country, be very careful for it's likely that the snakes use the swamps or marshes to travel. Swamps, marshes, and bogs also attract insects; have plenty of [[Make Natural Insect Repellent|insect repellent]] and try to maintain your hygiene to avoid accumulating body odor which will attract insects. Best to tie a strap around the bottom of your pant legs to keep leeches out.
 #*And do your homework to know whether there are beasts such as crocodiles or [[Avoid an Alligator Attack|alligators]] in that water! Some bodies of water are just too unsafe to walk in because of the local wildlife.
 #'''Dress for the swamp walk.''' There are several possibilities for footwear in a swamp, ranging from bare feet to [[Care for Hiking Boots|boots]] and waders; the choice will depend on the type of swamp and the safety needs. You should also wear a hat to protect your head from the sun, and if it's heavily infested with insects, add a head net for protection.
-#*Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts that have a button down collar and cuffs.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
+#*Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts that have a button down collar and cuffs.<ref name="rf4">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
-#*Paul Tawrell, author of the massive tome "Camping & Wilderness Survival" recommends wearing the Vietnam Jungle Boot for swamp walking.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 166, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref> He says that this type of boot is lightweight, supportive and has meshed breather holes to let the water that gets into the boot escape.
+#*Paul Tawrell, author of the massive tome "Camping & Wilderness Survival" recommends wearing the Vietnam Jungle Boot for swamp walking.<ref name="rf4" /> He says that this type of boot is lightweight, supportive and has meshed breather holes to let the water that gets into the boot escape.
 #*You might consider [[Start Barefoot Hiking|walking barefoot]] but only if you know the depth of the swamp, the safety of the swamp in terms of animals, insects, and snarls, etc. Any roots, reeds, or litter (including old fencing) in a swamp, marsh, or bog presents a danger to a barefoot walker, as do leeches, [[Identify a Venomous Snake|snakes]], worms (in infested areas of the world), and even fish. It is much easier to sprain an ankle or break a toe by getting caught in root formations when you're bare foot.
 #*Follow the lead of duck hunters. Wear hip boots or chest waders walking in the swamp. You don't ''have'' to, but it's preferable.
@@ Line 37: / Line 37: @@
 #*So, remember to take the second step before the first step hits bottom. As the second step is going down, pull up on the first one. Repeat the process. It takes a little skill and [[Achieve Overall Fitness|leg fitness]], but if you don't have that, what the heck are you doing walking around in the swamp anyway?!
 #'''Use natural markers.''' Once you have negotiated a swamp, use natural markers like [[Plant a Tree|trees]] to remember where the passable areas are. After a while you'll get the feel for it and cruise through the swamp in a manner similar to walking on dry land.
-#'''Know what to do if you do start sinking in.''' Treat sinking into a swamp, bog, or marsh in the same manner as for sinking into [[Get out of Quicksand|quicksand]] – indeed, contrary to common belief quicksand is rare in desert terrain but is found mostly in marshes and near rivers and lakes.<ref>David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8</ref> Here is what to do if you get caught in quicksand, sinking bio-silt, or mire:<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 169, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
+#'''Know what to do if you do start sinking in.''' Treat sinking into a swamp, bog, or marsh in the same manner as for sinking into [[Get out of Quicksand|quicksand]] – indeed, contrary to common belief quicksand is rare in desert terrain but is found mostly in marshes and near rivers and lakes.<ref name="rf5">David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8</ref> Here is what to do if you get caught in quicksand, sinking bio-silt, or mire:<ref name="rf6">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 169, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
 #*Do not [[Stop Panic Attacks|panic]], do not struggle, and do not flail about. These are all guaranteed to cause you to sink in deeper, and quickly.
 #*Avoid trying to lift one foot as this will place all of your weight on the other foot, and you'll sink deeper.
-#*Drop to your hands and knees. Sure, you're going to wet and very messy but that's better than the alternative of getting hopelessly stuck in or submerged by mud or quicksand. The surface area created by your hands, knees, and legs will help to distribute the weight more evenly across the swamp's surface, an area far wider than just your feet. If the mire beneath you feels too soft and you're still sinking after dropping to a [[Crawl|crawling]] position, lie down completely and be prepared to move only one part of your body at a time. The human body is less dense than quicksand, so aiming to "float" on it can reduce it to a nuisance rather than a danger.<ref>David Borgenicht and Trey Popp, ''The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Great Outdoors'', p. 57, (2007), ISBN 0-8118-5827-8</ref>
+#*Drop to your hands and knees. Sure, you're going to wet and very messy but that's better than the alternative of getting hopelessly stuck in or submerged by mud or quicksand. The surface area created by your hands, knees, and legs will help to distribute the weight more evenly across the swamp's surface, an area far wider than just your feet. If the mire beneath you feels too soft and you're still sinking after dropping to a [[Crawl|crawling]] position, lie down completely and be prepared to move only one part of your body at a time. The human body is less dense than quicksand, so aiming to "float" on it can reduce it to a nuisance rather than a danger.<ref name="rf5" />
 #*Visualize yourself as a snake, and make snake-like movements to attempt to "float" out of the sinking area of the swamp. Head back in the direction you came from.
 #'''Know [[Remove Leeches|how to remove leeches]] and check for any other waterborne beasts.''' When you emerge from a swamp, bog, or marsh, you might have some guests hitching a lift. Do a quick body check to remove leeches. If you're walking in an area known for disease vectors, know what to do to remove them or to prevent them from latching on (ask local doctors before walking, or read up the information).
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 *Don't do this alone, ever. Always have at least one companion with you. Preferably, one of you should be savvy about outdoor recreation knowledge and safety.
 *Swamp walking can be very dangerous, as the hazards noted above have alerted you to. You must know what you're doing and have good outdoor experience before attempting to walk in swamps.
-*Assume that all swamp water is polluted. Avoid drinking it. If beavers are upstream, the water can be contaminated from their urine, which can transmit tularemia.<ref>Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 168, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
+*Assume that all swamp water is polluted. Avoid drinking it. If beavers are upstream, the water can be contaminated from their urine, which can transmit tularemia.<ref name="rf7">Paul Tawrell, ''Camping & Wilderness Survival'', p. 168, (2006), ISBN 978-0-9740820-2-8</ref>
 == Things You'll Need ==

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