How to test Depth of River without going in??

[sanction]

Does anyone know any special ways to test the depth of a river, but without having to physically go in it??

I'm considering drowning in the river. Would be super helpful to be able to have an idea of the depth

The area I live in, the river has different areas of random depths. Some areas are as shallow as "knee deep" only, where if you stand in it, it just goes up to your leg only, while some areas will go pass your head / entire body

But as of now, it's difficult to know / test the depth easily, without having to physically go in it

Anyone know any solutions??

 

[gothbird]

One option would be to use a long stick or pole ideally or something like a telescopic rod, broom handle, or even a strong tree branch and gently lower it into the water until it touches the riverbed. Mark or note where the water reaches on the stick each time. Some people also tie a weight to the end of a rope or sturdy fishing line and lower it in slowly, pulling it back up to see how much of the rope was submerged but just make sure the current isn't too strong or it'll affect your reading. If the river is particularly wide or murky, these methods aren't perfect, but they're relatively safe and can give you a general idea without having to physically wade in.

 

[Lostmyonlyson]

If it's a calm river a rope with knots would be a good way to test the depth, just buy let's say 5 meters of rope, tie know regularly like every 50 cm and tie a rock at the tip also. If it's a river with a strong current this would not work properly.

 

[sanction]

Thank you for the tips. It is greatly appreciated