PLAN FOR KNOW YOUR LIMITS CARRY THE PADDLING For canoeists and kayakers, air ALWAYS WEAR ESSENTIALS CHANGING temperature is less important than BE SMART, BE SAFE Be Honest With Yourself wind speed and direction. And while YOUR LIFE JACKET WEATHER rain can be a nuisance, lightening is Good paddlers know their limits. If you don’t feel comfortable in a given set of CONDITIONS dangerous. conditions, return to shore. Safety Communications HAVE FUN Treat the Forecast as Have an exit strategy at all times. If Always carry A handheld VHF radio allows you to a fast-moving thunderstorm appears, The Right Boat for the Conditions drinking water. communicate with the Coast Guard Wear it Like a Pro the Best Case where is the nearest safe landing? Most kayaks, canoes and SUPs are designed for use on protected waters and and commercial boat traffic. Use The first sign of a rookie paddler is someone who Keep signaling When the forecast calls for ideal paddling moderate currents. Channel 16 for emergencies. Pay Attention isn’t wearing a life jacket. Experienced paddlers devices (whistle, weather, it will probably be a beautiful day—just Scan the horizon for dark clouds, and wear life jackets whenever they’re on the water. Specialized boats are used for whitewater, surf and exposed lakes or ocean. Know mirror, flares) in a A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) don’t count on it. be aware of changing temperatures the capabilities of your craft. These venues require additional training. pocket of your life will relay your precise location to Don’t forget to check tides or river levels, and and wind directions, which often Make it Fit jacket. rescue agencies if you’re in distress. Explore Your Limits Safely note the time the sun will rise and set. precede a squall or thunderstorm. Adjust your life jacket so that it’s snug and com- Sit-inside kayakers Prepare for the Worst Case fortable. It should not lift up when pulled by the Improving your skills is one of the joys of paddling. Practice in safe conditions with should carry a Carry a cell phone in a waterproof Don’t wait for bad weather. If you shoulders. instructors or expert paddlers to expand your personal performance envelope. paddle float and case, and always be sure to tell a Be aware of how changing weather affects sense a change for the worse, get off pump. friend before you go. paddling, and plan accordingly. the water right away. Modern life jackets come in all sizes, with models Impairment = Accidents for children, women and men. Do not go paddling if you should not be driving. Drinks and drugs are even more Don’t Tempt the Odds hazardous on the water. Coast Guard and state BUI laws apply to all vessels, which Comfort includes recreational canoes, kayaks and SUPs. Carry extra layers of 85% of fatal canoeing accidents and clothing in a waterproof “dry bag.” of kayaking fatalities involve people For longer outings, bring who were not wearing a life jacket. energy bars or a lunch. Don’t be a statistic. Wear your life jacket.

FOR MORE ON FITTING LIFE JACKETS, GO TO: safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SAFER PADDLING LEARN MORE TAKE A PADDLING CLASS DRESS FOR TELL A FRIEND MAKE YOURSELF SEEN Watch the 8-part Safe Paddling Video Series, and find paddling tips, gear lists and safety resources from Canoe & Kayak magazine, the ACA Canoe-Kayak-SUP-Raft IMMERSION Dress For Visibility Rescue and the United States Coast Guard. What You’ll Learn Cold Kills Share Your Plan Choose a brightly colored life jacket and paddling clothing that will make it easier Safety: You’ll learn and practice the skills that make paddling safe and enjoyable. for others to see you on the water. canoekayak.com/safety The human body loses heat about Telling a trusted friend where and when you plan 25x to paddle ensures that someone will know where Style: You’ll learn good paddling technique from skilled instructors. faster when immersed in cold water than it does when americancanoe.org/instruction to send help if you get into trouble. Carry a light, especially if there’s a chance you’ll be on the water early or late in the uscgboating.org Who You’ll Meet dry. day. High visibility strobes and running lights are available at your local paddling Avoid cotton clothing like t-shirts and jeans, because Make it Routine shop. nasbla.org/education A paddling course is the best place to meet fellow paddlers. they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Keep a basic float plan on your computer or Practice Defensive Paddling Your class mates are likely to be safety-minded and have similar skills and interests. Modern Miracles phone, and make a habit of filling it out and send- ing it to a friend every time you paddle. Never assume that power boaters can see you. Avoid high-traffic areas whenever possible, and proceed with caution when you can’t avoid them. A good instructor can become a mentor who will help you become a better paddler. Today’s paddling gear uses high-tech fabrics and technology to keep you dry, comfortable and looking Include the Four Ws Why It’s Fun your best. Be aware of factors like fog and glare that make you more difficult to spot. If you’re Who: Your name and the name of everyone between a powerboat and the sun when it’s low on the horizon, the operator almost A wetsuit or drysuit allows you to stay You’ll be on the water, learning new skills in a safe and friendly environment. paddling with you. certainly won’t see you. warmer when immersed in cold water. Where to Find a Class Ask your local paddling shop to recommend Where: Your planned put-in, takeout and pad- Know the Rules of the Road Check with your local paddle shop for a list of paddle classes in your area. You can find a clothing for the conditions you plan to paddle in. dling route. Learn the ‘Rules of the Road’ that govern all boat traffic, from kayaks to container list of ACA-certified instructors at americancanoe.org/instruction ships. Knowing these simple rules will help you anticipate where other boats will go, Dress Your When: Your estimated launch and return and allow you to stay out of trouble. time—and when to notify authorities if you don’t Children Well check in as scheduled. Remember: Children lose body heat faster than adults. Smaller adults lose body heat faster than large adults. What to Do: A plan for what to do if you Scan this Quick Response code with your don’t return or check in as scheduled. smart phone to be directed to Safer Paddling, a highly acclaimed instructional video series produced by Canoe & Kayak Magazine.