First thing I did when I bought my first drift boat was hire a guide to show me how to row. I think the biggest danger is not knowing the water. I have only had one close call and it was on new water after being told it was an easy float. Sometimes people forget to tell you about the one hazard to look out for. As mentioned earlier, never stop rowing. Most of the time if yuou stay calm and keep rowing you will pull away from the danger in time. This only scares your passengers.