Canoeing and Kayaking Safety Essentials
6-minute read
There’s nothing like being on the water to enjoy nature, enjoy company, get some exercise or throw in a line. Know these basic paddling safety essentials so you can keep enjoying it your whole life.
(Photo courtesy of Brandon Born)
Paddling is one of the lowest-risk activities you can do. But there’s still risk involved, whether canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Each year, unfortunately, there are a few paddling accidents and even fatalities.
So what can you do to keep you and your family safe on the water? The best protection is prevention. Know what the risk factors are, and know what you can do to reduce those risks:
The Risk: Being on the Water
Of course, there would be no paddling sports without water! The key is to approach the water with respect. Know your personal limits. Calm flatwater is very different from moving water. Big lakes have challenges you don’t have to worry about on small lakes. And oceans are a different ballgame altogether.
As your skills improve you can be more adventurous, but never lose your respect for the water you’re on.
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t paddle without your life jacket! And don’t just have it in the boat—wear it. The majority of drowning victims each year failed to wear a life jacket (also known as a PFD—a personal flotation device).
Invest in a life jacket that fits you well and is comfortable. And look for handy features like zipped pockets and D-rings for added convenience.
If you dream of paddling in challenging conditions—like big waves or whitewater—get the training and experience you need. The American Canoe Association (ACA) certifies paddling instructors of all disciplines and levels. Look for an ACA-certified course or trainer near you.
The Risk: Hazardous Water
Hazardous water can mean many things:
- Strong currents in rivers and oceans can quickly turn what would be a minor issue on flatwater into a major one.
- Submerged trees, boulders and other natural objects (called strainers) in the water. These can change regularly, even on rivers you paddle frequently.
- Dams, weirs and other manmade objects.
- High wind and large waves on big lakes.
(Photo courtesy of Chris Funk)
How to Protect Yourself
When on rivers, pay attention to recent rains which may have caused higher water levels and faster currents. Stay away from water that’s above your skill level. Learn the basic paddle strokes and be able to do them well. Learn how to spot potential hazards before you reach them to give yourself time to maneuver away.
If you’re out on a multi-day trip, wait out bad weather rather than risk injury or worse.
The Risk: Collision with Other Objects
Besides the water itself, there’s also the risk of colliding with stationary objects. The most common are rocks, whether you’re in a river or lake. Some shorelines can be hazardous, especially in currents. And if you’re in an active boating area with large motorized boats, you and your canoe or kayak can be hard to see.
How to Protect Yourself
Pay attention! Be able to maneuver your boat easily around objects by practicing your basic strokes until they become second nature.
When you paddle in high-traffic areas, bright colors are your best friend. Whether it’s your boat, your paddle blades or your attire, you want to be highly visible to drivers of any faster and bigger boats. And remember, the bigger boat has the right-of-way.
(Photo courtesy of Brandon Mayes)
Collision with Other Objects
Besides the water itself, there’s also risk in colliding with stationary objects. The most common are rocks, whether you’re in a river or lake. The shoreline can be hazardous, especially in currents. And if you’re in an active boating area with large motorized boats, you and your canoe or kayak can be hard to see.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF: Again, pay attention! Be able to maneuver your boat easily by practicing your strokes. When you paddle in high-traffic areas, wear bright colors so you stand out.
The Risk: Paddling Alone
Many paddlers love the serenity of being on the water alone, at least at times. If you’re one of them, take extra precautions for safety, knowing there may be no one around to help if you end up in trouble.
How to Protect Yourself
Paddle with others! But if you do go solo, it’s even more important to know and follow the safety tips we’ve been talking about. Even on easy water, wear your PFD. You just never know what can happen.
Beyond that, let others know where you’ll be, your route and your timeline. That’s called a float plan. That way if you’re not back when you’re expected, someone will know to start looking for you.
Know and practice self-rescue. On a nice day in calm water, capsize your canoe, kayak or paddleboard and practice getting back in or on as many times as it takes for you to be able to self-rescue easily. Then practice it in rough water.
Keep your phone in a waterproof case that you keep on you—around your neck on a lanyard or in a PFD pocket. If you’re in backcountry waters out of cell range, consider renting or buying a satellite phone in case of an emergency.
The Risk: Bad Weather
What has started as a lovely calm day on the water can quickly turn on you if a storm front moves in or the wind picks up more than you bargained for. Lightning is especially dangerous.
How to Protect Yourself
Always check the weather forecast before you head out. If thunder and lightning is predicted, stay off the water. If you can hear thunder, there’s a chance lightning will strike near you. Know how strong the wind will be and the direction it’s coming from.
If you canoe or kayak on huge water like the Great Lakes or the ocean, get apps like Windy and Tides Near Me that offer detailed weather info.
The Risk: Cold Water
Some of the world’s most popular canoe tripping, fishing and kayaking destinations are on water that’s very cold year-round. The northern US, Canada, alpine lakes and rivers, the northern UK and Scandinavia all have wonderful places for paddling, but the waters can be frigid. Even with a PFD, capsizing in cold water presents a very real danger of hypothermia, sometimes within a very few minutes.
How to Protect Yourself
Much of what we’ve already talked about will help protect you in cold water: don’t paddle waters above your skill level, know your strokes, watch for hazards, et cetera. But the best way to protect yourself in case of a capsize is to wear a wetsuit under your other layers or drysuit over your other layers.
The “dress for immersion” rule applies anytime you kayak, but especially when on cold water.
The Risk: Emergency Situations
By their nature, emergencies are unexpected. While most canoeists, kayakers and kayak anglers enjoy their time on the water uninterrupted by urgent situations, they can happen. You can best protect yourself by being prepared.
How to Protect Yourself
Take a waterproof drybag along with essential safety items like a well-stocked waterproof First Aid kit, sunscreen, water and snacks, lip balm, sunglasses, whistle or other signaling device and anything else you’d like to have with you. Secure it to your boat, so a capsize won’t send it to the bottom.
If you’ll be remote or out for an extended time, bring another waterproof drybag with an extra change of clothes, a Tyvek emergency blanket and some kind of fire starter. Bringing an extra paddle is never a bad idea either.
(Photo courtesy of Forged From the Wild)
Canoeing, kayaking and kayak fishing are wonderful, life-long sports for the whole family. Know the risks involved and always practice these basic safety essentials to ensure years of enjoyment.
Happy paddling!
[This was first published in 2017 and has been updated.]
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