American Association The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a member- Paddler’s based nonprofit organization (501(c)3) that promotes fun and responsible , , and rafting. Founded in 1880, the ACA actively advocates recreational Safety access and stewardship of America’s water trails. For more information and to become a member, visit www.americancanoe.org. Checklist

American Canoe Association Phone: (540) 907-4460 Fax: (888) 229-3792 www.americancanoe.org

Making the world a better place to . Since 1880.

All Paddlers Need To Be Prepared For: Low Light Conditions Ways to Contact Help Minor Medical Emergencies Outings which extend past the esitmated return time Weather Pattern Changes Other Traffi c

Boat Safe - Boat Smart - Wear It!

Part of ACA’s Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart Series www.americancanoe.org Be A Leader! Paddler’s Checklist

Pre-Trip Planning What BeType A Swimmer is for me? Know the waters to be paddled. River guide booklets and topography maps are valuable File A Float Plan references in trip planning. Plan alternate Wear Your Lifejacket routes. Set-up locations for put-ins and take-outs along Assess Your Boat’s Flotation Needs with possible lunch break stops. Consider time Keep an eye out for other boat traffic Carry A Spare Paddle and distance. Arrange for the shuttle. Pay attention to all safety warnings Always Dress For The Unexpected Flip Equipment - What you take with you on a Be sure you are visible trip is all that you have to survive and rescue Wear a Hat or Helmet yourself. This includes water, food, maps and For Whitewater and Rivers Carry A Compass and Chart or Map charts, rescue equipment and extra clothes. Stay on the inside of bends - Beware of File a Float Plan with someone who will notify strainers!Strainers are Fallen trees; bridge Carry a Whistle or Sound Signaling others if you don’t return on time. pilings, undercut rocks or anything else that Device allows the current to flow through it while Paddle within your, and your group’s, limits. holding you. Strainers are deadly. Carry Throw Bags And Other Rescue On Water Behavior and Etiquette Walk around low-head dams Gear Be a competent swimmer with the ability to Watch for hydraulics - Looking downstream, if handle oneself underwater, moving water, surf Carry a “River” Knife a hole is “smiling” it is probably friendly. If it’s or current. “frowning”, it is probably unfriendly. Have A Bilge Pump And/Or Bailer Have a properly fitted lifejacket (Personal If in doubt, get out and scout! Self-Rescue Devices (Paddle Float / Flotation Device - PFD), and WEAR IT! For Coastal Areas Sling / Tow Rope) Keep the craft under control. Do not enter a rapid unless reasonably sure you can navigate it Stay close to shore SunScreen or swim the entire rapid in case you capsize. As you travel away from shelter, make sure you Drinking Water & Snacks Keep a lookout for hazards and avoid them. have the necessary skills to travel back. Watch for fog, especially on coastal waters. Watch conditions for winds and fog Light / Signal (for low light conditions) Know your emotional and physical limitations. Understand wave height, wind speed (Beaufort Wear Proper Footwear Scale), fetch and how it will impact your travel Group members need to constantly assess the UV Eye Protection behavior of others in their group. Stay aware of all boat traffic and traffic Respect the rights of anglers and land owners patterns Drybag with extra clothing when . Learn re-entry techniques BEFORE you need Wear Appropriate Clothing Know the Conditions them, know how to re-enter your boat and how to assist others back into their craft First Aid Kit with Matches For Flatwater Stay apprised of tidal currents and their affects Remember to watch for water and weather Small Repari kit with Duct Tape on you and your boat changes - beware of fog VHS Radio and GPS Locator Watch for landing in surf or passing through the surf zone to shore