Basic Safe Paddling Skills (Provided by ACA)
Paddling can be great fun! Follow these few simple steps provided by the American Canoe Association and help ensure that your trip is a safe one. Remember, a good paddler is a smart paddler!
- Always wear a properly fitted PFD (lifejacket) while on the water. 85% of canoeing related fatality victims were NOT wearing a PFD at the time of accident!
- Never go boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol impairs judgment and good judgment is a critical component of paddling safely and avoiding hazards.
- Do not stand up in a canoe or kayak, and avoid weight shifts that may cause capsize. Occupant movement and weight shift are factors in roughly 50% of all canoeing fatalities.
- Avoid weather or water conditions beyond your skill level.
- Be able to effectively steer and propel your boat.
- Never float or paddle over a low-head (submerged) dam, fallen tree or other in-stream obstruction.
- Dress appropriate to weather conditions (including air and water temperature).
- Do not paddle alone.
- Inform others (friends, family, resource manager) of your trip plan.
- Carry a supply of food and water adequate for your trip length.
- Learn about your route in advance, especially potential hazards. Know about the presence of hazards such as difficult rapids, low-head dams or upstream dam releases. Know where to go in case of an emergency.
- Never overload the boat with more weight or persons than it is designed to safely accommodate.
- Plan for emergencies.
- Learn how to self-rescue in the event of capsize.
- Be proficient in proper paddling technique and learn to read the water.
- Only take on challenges for which you are physically and mentally prepared.
- Learn rescue skills necessary to assist others.