Kayak Safety

Kayak safety is something that is often overlooked but nonetheless very important as you embark on your water travels. Many boating fatalities could have been prevented by the simple use of a properly fitted life jacket. Some elements to take in to consideration are the instability of the canoe or kayak you will be using, as well as the temperature of the water should the boat flip. If you plan on paddling in colder water such as an ocean that is farther north, a life jacket could mean the difference between life and death with the risk of drowning due to hypothermia being an ever present danger.

This isn't to say that life jackets aren't as important in other settings however. In addition, it is strongly advised that all paddlers take a First Aid class which includes CPR. Accidents can and do happen, so you never know when you might need to utilize your training. If you don't know where to find a First Aid class, many area hospitals as well as many high school adult education programs offer training.

If you are new to kayaking or kayak safety, it will be very beneficial to take a course in basic kayaking safety with a certified instructor. Actual hands on training for real life emergency situations will help give you the skills necessary for self and assisted rescue should that ever happen.

Here are some basic kayak safety points to keep in mind before launching off. You should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket whenever you are out on the water, and you should be as comfortable as possible in the water while you are outside your boat. Wearing a personal floatation device, or PFD is the most important thing you can do to help ensure your safety.

Learning to stay calm and not panic if your kayak flips is extremely important as well. By obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary for kayaking you will be in the best position to have a fun, and most importantly, safe trek out on the water.

If at all possible, try and kayak or canoe with a group of at least two other boats, and consider making a float plan to share with family and friends. This will allow the proper authorities to be notified where to search if the group doesn't come back at a stated time. Should an emergency arise, your chances of survival are much better with the help of others.

Forming good kayak safety habits in the beginning and taking the time to properly prepare for your trip can mean the difference between a great day of kayaking and a horrible experience. Make sure and bring plenty of drinking water. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water per day for each paddler.

Don't forget the first-aid kit! You will want a small air tight container to use as a first aid-kit dry box. A couple zip lock plastic bags should work quite well. Some things to consider putting in the kit are Aspirin, a variety of different band-aids and bandages, burn cream, and antiseptic cream. Obviously this can be expanded upon greatly. Energy bars and snacks are other good ideas. And if you are planning an extended trip, consider using flotation bags to store a variety of other useful items like matches, ice packs, waste containers, extra clothing, and anything else you can think of.

In reality there are many other things to take into consideration before hitting the water. My intention is simply to bring up the fact that kayak safety is a real concern that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you take the time to prepare and learn the skills necessary for kayaking you will be much better off in the long run.

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