Critical decision making on a whitewater trip goes beyond simply having knowledge of safety practices. Rather, prudent decisions are arrived at through a complex interplay of diverse factors. The question is: how can outdoor educators prepare themselves and their staff to make the "right" decision when faced with a potentially dangerous situation? Experience is always the best teacher, but short of being involved or being on hand during actual river accidents, the next best way to prepare is through the study of river accidents. Case studies vividly describe what can go wrong when basic river safety procedures are violated, and also show that river accidents happen even when no basic safety procedures are violated. The latter type of incident reminds us that rules or lists of safety practices are not always reliable and that we must do our own thinking. River accident reports have been published in books, journals, and newsletters. A sample case study of a kayaking fatality is presented and analyzed, and 23 whitewater accidents that occurred in 1995 are listed. These accidents indicate a continuing trend: both commercial and noncommercial programs are running more difficult rivers while the physical ability, experience, and fitness of rafting clients have been declining. (Author/SV)