User Manual
ALWAYS WEAR
YOUR LIFE JACKET
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
CARRY THE PADDLING
ESSENTIALS
PLAN FOR
CHANGING
WEATHER
CONDITIONS
Wear it Like a Pro
The first sign of a rookie paddler is someone who
isn’t wearing a life jacket. Experienced paddlers
wear life jackets whenever they’re on the water.
Make it Fit
Adjust your life jacket so that it’s snug and com-
fortable. It should not lift up when pulled by the
shoulders.
Modern life jackets come in all sizes, with models
for children, women and men.
Don’t Tempt the Odds
85% of fatal canoeing accidents and
of kayaking fatalities involve people
who were not wearing a life jacket.
Don’t be a statistic. Wear your life jacket.
Comfort
Carry extra layers of
clothing in a waterproof
“dry bag.”
For longer outings, bring
energy bars or a lunch.
Treat the Forecast as
the Best Case
When the forecast calls for ideal paddling
weather, it will probably be a beautiful day—just
don’t count on it.
Don’t forget to check tides or river levels, and
note the time the sun will rise and set.
Prepare for the Worst Case
Be aware of how changing weather affects
paddling, and plan accordingly.
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.
FOR MORE ON FITTING LIFE JACKETS, GO TO:
safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets
For canoeists and kayakers, air
temperature is less important than
wind speed and direction. And while
rain can be a nuisance, lightening is
dangerous.
Have an exit strategy at all times. If
a fast-moving thunderstorm appears,
where is the nearest safe landing?
Pay Attention
Scan the horizon for dark clouds, and
be aware of changing temperatures
and wind directions, which often
precede a squall or thunderstorm.
Don’t wait for bad weather. If you
sense a change for the worse, get off
the water right away.
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.
Be Honest With Yourself
Good paddlers know their limits. If you don’t feel comfortable in a given set of
conditions, return to shore.
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 ocean. Know
the capabilities of your craft. These venues require additional training.
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.
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 BUI laws apply to all vessels, which
includes recreational canoes, kayaks and SUPs.
BE SMART, BE SAFE
HAVE FUN
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SAFER PADDLING