Canoe Safety

The canoe is one of the oldest means of water travel know to man. It is an ideal way for traveling the many streams, rivers, and lakes of North America; these boats have remained virtually unchanged in design for thousands of years.

But don't let a canoe's simplicity fool you. As easy as it may seem to leisurely paddle a canoe, a journey can quickly become dangerous if appropriate safety guidelines are overlooked. This is especially true today, as large, fast, motorized boats dominate the waterways, leaving human-powered boats as the most vulnerable to accidents and fatalities.

You can minimize your risk of danger by being smart about where and when you canoe. Choose a lake or river that is appropriate for your skill level.  Try to avoid high water (it makes a river run faster), high winds, and storms. And don't go out alone -- there's safety in numbers.

Check Your Equipment
Before you even step into your canoe, make sure your craft is in good condition and that you take along the following items:

• At least two paddles, plus an extra in case you drop or break one
• Extra ropes or lines
• A bail bucket
• A first-aid kit
• A dry change of clothes in cooler weather
• Plenty of water and food
• A light if you will be out in low-light conditions
• A personal floatation device (life vest), with a whistle attached, for each passenger

The life vests are an absolute must, particularly considering the how instable a canoe is and the risk of drowning and hypothermia. (More than half of all boating fatalities in 2002 were from capsizing or falling overboard.)

Steady as She Goes
To get into your canoe, have someone hold it steady. As you step in, bend your knees and grab the sides of the canoe for balance. Walk to your seat along the center of the boat. Remember to remain on your seat; don't stand or side on the sides of a canoe. The slightest shift of weight can make a canoe tip. It is important to keep your load balanced. Avoid sudden movements or rocking from side to side.

Once you are paddling:

• Keep an eye out for other boat traffic and keep appropriate distance
• Heed all safety warnings
• Be aware of water currents and try to keep your canoe at right angles to big waves
• Look out for water hazards such as low branches, fallen trees, rocks and debris
• Keep your shoes on to avoid slipping or stepping on sharp objects near shore

If your canoe does tip over, don't panic. Stay with your canoe and paddle or push it toward the shore. When you get to shallow water, flip the canoe with the help of another person and carefully climb back in.