Canoeing and kayaking are great activities if you’re looking for some summer fun, or just a way to spend some time out on the water! It’s incredibly important, however, that you know how to participate in these activities safely. Here are some basic safety tips to keep in mind when you go canoeing or kayaking this summer:
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Know what the weather is going to be like ahead of time. Among other things, this can give you an idea of how you should dress– if the water is going to be colder, you may be better off wearing a wet suit to stay warm in case your canoe or kayak tips! You should also keep an eye on the wind conditions– if it’s too windy, the water may not be safe. It’s also important to be prepared for the weather to change before your trip.
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Always follow local boating rules. More often than not, local boating rules and regulations have been put in place for a reason. Following them can help you and everyone else in the water around you stay safe!
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Make a safety plan and stick to it. When canoeing or kayaking, make sure you make a plan and tell someone on-shore what you’re doing, where you’re going, and when you expect to be back. Once this plan is made, stick to it or let the other person know what changes you’re making so they don’t have to worry if you’re not back when you say you will be.
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Bring plenty of food and water. When canoeing or kayaking, it’s more than likely that you’ll be in direct sunlight for most of your trip. Because of this, it’s incredibly important to make sure you’re staying hydrated. You should also make sure to bring plenty of snacks– while we all hope our trips go according to plan, that doesn’t always happen, so it’s good to be prepared in case you’re on the water longer than expected.
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Wear a personal flotation device. The Coast Guard requires that all boats (of any type, including canoes and kayaks) have enough lifejackets on board for every passenger. In a canoe or kayak, you may be better off wearing yours from the start, since they may be more likely to capsize than other types of boats.
At Paddle the River, all three of our locations follow these safety rules and more! In addition, all guests are required to sign a waiver in order to be able to go on any of our kayaking trips as proof that they are aware of the risks involved in kayaking and agree to the rental agreement. If you’re interested in a kayaking adventure, visit Paddle the River to book a trip at any of our three locations along the Cuyahoga and Mahoning rivers! It’s a great way to explore the great outdoors!