BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 06 - Other Water Activities Emergency Preparation
Safety Tips for Paddlers
- Put on your lifejacket BEFORE you enter a paddle craft.
- Avoid alcohol and/or drug use.
- Fill out a Float Plan and leave it with a reliable person on shore.
- Use the three points of contact technique when entering a paddle craft (have either both hands and one foot or have both feet and one hand planted on the boat for stability when you’re entering the boat).
- Keep both the passenger and equipment weight balanced and centered at all times.
- Do not paddle during poor weather conditions.
- Paddle near the shoreline so that you can swim to shore in an emergency.
- Use the paddle as a reaching tool rather than your arms (passenger movement and weight shifting in canoes contribute to 50% of all canoeing accidents).
- Take a paddle course to improve your paddling skill level.
- Travel in numbers—never go paddling alone in case you require assistance during the trip.
- Know how to swim and how to rescue yourself if your paddle craft capsizes.
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Boating License
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