RECREATIONAL BOATING

Follow these U.S. Coast Guard-approved tips to get your paddling hobby off to a safe start: • Always wear your life jacket: 85 percent of canoeing accidents and 48 percent of kayaking fatalities involve people who were not wearing a life jacket. • Make sure your life jacket fits: Adjust your life jacket so it’s snug and comfortable. It should not lift up when pulled by the shoulders. For more info on fitting life jackets, visit the North American Safe Boating Campaign’s web page on the topic. • Know your limits: 1. Be honest with yourself: Good paddlers know their limits. If you don’t feel comfortable in a given set of conditions, return to shore. 2. The right boat for the conditions: Most kayaks, canoes and SUPs are designed for use on protected waters and moderate currents. Specialized boats are used for whitewater, surf and exposed lakes or oceans. Know the capabilities of your craft. These venues require additional training. 3. Explore your limits safely: Improving your skills is one of the joys of paddling. Practice in safe conditions with instructors or expert paddlers to expand your personal performance envelope. 4. Impairment = Accidents: Do not go paddling if you should not be driving. Drinks and drugs are even more hazardous on the water. Coast Guard and state boating under the influence laws apply to all vessels, which includes recreational canoes, kayaks and SUPs. • Carry the paddling essentials: 1. Safety: Always carry drinking water. Keep signaling devices (whistle, mirror, flares) in a pocket of your life jacket. Sit-inside kayakers should carry a paddle float and pump.) 2. Communications: A handheld VHF radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and commercial boat traffic. Use Channel 16 for emergencies. A personal locator beacon (PLB) will relay your precise location to rescue agencies if you’re in distress. Carry a cell phone in a waterproof case. And always be sure to tell a friend before you go. 3. Comfort: Carry extra layers of clothing in a waterproof drybag. For longer outings, bring energy bars or a lunch. • Plan for changing weather conditions: Treat the forecast as the best case. Prepare for the worst case. Pay attention for dark clouds, changing temperatures and wind directions. • Dress for immersion: 1. Cold kills: The human body loses heat about 25 times faster when immersed in cold water than it does when dry. Avoid cotton clothing like T-shirts and jeans because they retain water and accelerate cooling when wet. Today’s paddling gear uses high-tech fabrics and technology to keep you dry, comfortable and looking your best. 2. Dress your children well: Children lose heat faster than adults and smaller adults lose body heat faster than larger adults. • Make yourself seen: Dress for visibility. Practice defensive paddling and know the rules of the road. • Tell a friend: 1. Share your plan: Telling a trusted friend where and when you plan to paddle ensures someone will know where to send help if you get into trouble. 2. Make it routine: Keep a basic float plan on your computer or phone and make a habit of filling it out and sending it to a friend every time you paddle. 3. Include the Four Ws: Who (your name and the name of everyone paddling with you), Where (your planned put-in, takeout and paddling route), When (your estimated launch and return time, and when to notify authorities if you don’t check in as scheduled) and What to do (a plan for what to do if you don’t return or check in as scheduled.)