Tips For Safe Canoeing and Kayaking

WEAR A LIFEJACKET
WEAR A LIFEJACKET...Most canoe spills take place in shallow water and swift current. There is a good probability that a dumped canoeist could hit his head on a rock or his boat. It is nearly impossible to swim in rapids, or through downed trees. A life jacket is essential, not only for flotation, but for hypothermia protection. And by the way, after most drownings from canoes or kayaks, life jackets are seen floating nearby...empty. You have to WEAR them!

FILE A FLOAT PLAN...Somebody ought to know if you get into trouble. Give someone the names of all passengers or companions, the place you’ll be starting and ending your trip, when you plan to arrive at your destination and any waypoints in between. You should also include phone numbers of law enforcement agencies along the way, with instructions on when and who to contact if you are overdue. Carry a cell phone.

BE HONEST...It’s important to know the limitations of your abilities. Be honest with yourself and your companions. Your life and the lives of those in your party may depend on how everyone understands each other’s capabilities. If you overstate your abilities, eventually someone is going to be counting on help that you won’t be able to give them, so if you’re a novice, admit it. If you’re a pro, admit that, too. The novices in the group will feel better knowing you’re along on the trip.

KNOW THE WEATHER...A waterproof weather radio or hand held VHF Marine radio can be a big help when the skies begin to darken or you get a sudden wind shift. Check the sky and sea conditions, and NEVER operate in a situation that exceeds your capability.

KNOW THE WATER...Don’t attempt rivers or rapids beyond your ability. Progress gradually from one skill level to the next. Unfamiliar waters are no place to test your limits, or try to impress anybody. Each stream or river presents unique challenges, and dangers. Even well-seasoned veterans need to become familiar with the body of water before embarking on a journey.

KNOW THE WATER STAGE...After heavy rains, streams, rivers, and creeks rise and sweep lots of debris from the shoreline. And changing tides change the shoreline. Debris can become a trap or hindrance in water incidents. Debris can be found in three levels: on the surface, suspended in the water and on the bottom. It’s important to remember that just about any material or object may be in any, or all, of the three types of debris in water. Suspended and bottom debris is usually invisible to you, and therefore are especially dangerous.

GO IN A GROUP...Boating alone is not recommended. Even though recreational canoeists often canoe with a single canoe and one partner, or even solo, it is recommended you canoe with at least three people or two craft. The less the skill of the paddler, and the less that is known about the stream, the more important this rule becomes.

CLOTHING...Dress properly for existing and expected conditions. Extreme cold requires wet or dry suits, but in more moderate conditions layered clothing is recommended. Fabric choices should include those that provide warmth, even when wet. Cotton should never be worn in cold weather conditions because they “wick” heat away from the body when wet, accelerating the affects of hypothermia. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, neck, and ears from the sun.

EYEGLASSES AND SUNGLASSES...You’ll need a strap for attaching them to your head. This is particularly important during a capsize when eyewear can easily slip off and go to the bottom.

TAKE A CELL PHONE....Put your cell phone in a zip lock back with air in it, so it will float if you capsize. Time is of the essence in cold water.

FOOTWEAR...Don’t forget shoes. Tennis shoes are best for canoeing and should be worn at all times. Bare feet have no place in canoeing...the terrain of the land and the bottoms of streams can be hazardous.

CARRY PROPER EQUIPMENT...Use paddles and a life preserver for every passenger.

USE A SPRAY SKIRT...Add to your comfort and warmth while kayaking by keeping as much water out of the cockpit as possible. A passing boat might toss a wake, or just a change in weather can cause splashing into your quarters. Know how to attach it properly, and know how to remove it quickly in an emergency.

LOADING YOUR BOAT...Distribute the weight evenly. Look for ways to save space and to leave excess weight behind.

BALANCE YOUR BOAT...Make sure your boat’s load is balanced, side to side and front to back. Don’t overload the boat, and if your are carrying cargo, make sure it’s secured so it doesn’t shift around.


DON’T CROWD YOUR BUDDY...In rapids and restricted passages, keep a safe distance behind other boats. Don’t crowd, and back paddle if necessary. The lead boat should pull up and wait after passing a difficult area. If someone encounters trouble, be willing to stop and offer your assistance. At put-in and take-out points, be courteous and take turns.

COLD WATER CAN BE DANGEROUS...If you fall into water less than 98.6° temperature, your body will begin immediately to cool in the direction of the water temperature. If your body temp gets down to about 85 degrees, you’re pretty much done for. Cold water causes death in nearly half of the drowning cases reported. If you do fall into cold water, follow these steps:
• Tighten your clothes and try to cover your head.
• Act quickly before losing use of your hands.
• If possible, right a capsized boat or climb atop it.
• Don’t swim unless it’s to reach a nearby boat. Swimming saps heat and cuts survival time in half.
• Stay as still as possible. Movement robs you of heat.
• Assume a position in the water which minimizes heat loss.
• If you’re in the water with one or more persons, huddle together closely.
• If you’re a rescuer, don’t apply heat to arms or legs, or give massages or hot baths.
The best way to warm a victim is with body-to-body contact and a tight blanket.

HANDLING HOT WEATHER...Hot weather can be as dangerous as cold water. Carry plenty of drinking water. The water surface and aluminum canoes cause considerable reflection on sunny days which may lead to serious sunburn, heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Everyone enjoys getting out in the sun, but canoeing in a swimsuit or bikini can be dangerous. Canoeists need to wear or carry a shirt, blouse or jacket. Hats or other head coverings help prevent heat exhaustion or sunstroke. Know the symptoms and first aid procedures for these serious conditions.

OVERBOARD IN CURRENT...In rivers with a current, stay upstream of the boat to avoid being pinned. Don’t float with your body on the down river side of the canoe. Staying upstream allows you to avoid being pinned against obstructions. Even a light current flow can cause you to be pinned between an immovable object and your canoe. Stay away from strainers (trees and parts of trees or posts which are submerged and subject to strong currents), and sweepers (low-hanging branches which touch the water in a current). If you are swept by the flow against an obstruction, lean your body toward the obstruction instead of pushing away. Pushing invites the flow to come in and over the side more quickly.

IF YOU DUNK...Be ready for an occasional dunking when you canoe. Don’t panic. In calm waters, angle your way up to shore instead of paddling straight. Stay behind the boat, and hold onto it for flotation. Always wear your life jacket.

IF YOU CAPSIZE...If your boat capsizes, don’t panic. Your canoe can be flipped back over. Over-turned canoes float. First, assure that all passengers are safe before attempting to retrieve equipment. Stay with your canoe unless you judge that doing so will be dangerous. If you can stay with the canoe you can guide it into quiet water. Stay at the upstream end of the canoe so that if the canoe becomes pinned, you don’t. If possible hold on to your paddle...you’ll need it later. Don’t try to swim in rapids. Float in your life jacket on your back, with your feet downstream. If the water is cold, get ashore quickly.

IF YOUR BUDDY CAPSIZES...If someone else’s canoe has dumped offer your assistance. If it comes down to a rescue, remember...it’s the people first, then the equipment. If it’s cold, get them ashore, dry them and warm them immediately. It may not occur to them that they’re uncomfortable because of confusion. Above all, keep calm and encourage the “dunkees” to do likewise.

REMEMBER...
Standing up or moving about in a canoe greatly increase the chance of capsize.
Maintain three points of contact while moving around.
Load the boat properly.
Keep your shoulders inside the gunwales of the boat.
Take hands-on training.
Wear a PFD.
Don’t drink alcohol immediately preceding or during a paddling trip.
Understand your limitation and that of the vessel.
Plan ahead.
Know how to swim.
Never paddle alone.