Canoe and Kayak Safety:
Find out about canoe and kayak safety here! Whether you are a novice or a professional, kayaking the Caney Fork is a great way to spend the day! However, there are certain safety precautions you must take as with any recreational activity. As with all recreational activities, there is always the possibility of injury or death. Always use common sense and follow all safety rules at all times.
- Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating.
- Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.
- Seek qualified instruction to learn proper paddling techniques, water safety and basic first aid.
- WEAR your life jacket. TWRA regulations require that all canoes and kayaks have a life jacket on board for each person in the boat. Wearing your life jacket will help keep your head above water and add insulation to your body, keeping you warmer in cold water.
- Paddling in rivers can be dangerous. Always wear a helmet.
- Be aware of weather conditions and water temperature. Prepare for changes in weather and the possibility of a capsize. If paddling in cold water, a wet suit or dry suit can keep you warm and comfortable. In warm weather, a long sleeve shirt can provide sun protection.
- Stay hydrated. Always bring plenty of water and food.
- Always listen to instructions given by trainers. They are there to make sure you have a fun and safe day!
Canoe and Kayak Safety Tips:
- To get in to your canoe :
- Have someone hold your canoe, because you don’t want to tip the canoe before you even get out on the water!
- Crouch low and keep your knees bent
- Grab the sides of the canoe for balance as you walk to your seat
- Always walk along the center – keeping your feet on the centerline will help keep the canoe from rocking.
- Stay low – do not stand up or walk in your canoe when you are away from shore.
- ALWAYS WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET because you never know when you might fall out or tip over unexpectedly.
- Avoid sudden or jerky movements– rocking from side to side could cause the canoe to tip over.
- Be aware of the currents in the water – you don’t want to end up floating farther downstream than you planned. If the current starts to pull you along faster or you see lots of rocks in the water ahead of you paddle away from them or paddle towards the shore.
- Always sit on the seats or in the center of the canoe– sitting on the side of a canoe will cause it to tip over.
- Stay away from low hanging trees and branches near the shore because they can tip you.
- Do not canoe in bad weather.
- Avoid letting big waves hit the side of your canoe– always try to keep your canoe at a right angle to the waves otherwise the wave might push your canoe over.
If your canoe tips over:
- DON’T PANIC
- Stay with your canoe
- Paddle or push your canoe to shore – with the help of the other person in your canoe, you can get out in shallow water and flip the canoe to dump out the water and climb in. Your canoe will float even if its full of water until you can get to shore to empty it.
- Always bring along extra clothing in a waterproof container because you want to be prepared in case your canoe tips or the weather changes.
Be sure to bring the proper equipment:
- Sun protection – hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and pants
- Plenty of food and water
- Life vests will be supplied
- Maps are available
- Tie all of your equipment to the canoe – put your equipment into a waterproof bag to keep it dry and tie it to one of the center beams in the canoe so that you don’t lose everything if your canoe tips over.
- DO NOT LITTER – carry out everything you bring in because the animals don’t like a messy home and you wouldn’t like a ticket for littering.
Once you learn these important tips then you’ll be set to go! So grab your paddle and life jacket and always remember to canoe safely and have fun on the water!
Click HERE to book your trip today!
