practice safe canoeing

Canoe Safety Tips

Canoeing is a lot of fun, but if you don’t know the dangers, you could get into trouble on the water. Here are some tips for keeping dry and steering clear of danger:

  • To get into your canoe:
    • Have someone hold the canoe steady – you don’t want to tip the canoe before you even get out on the water!
    • Crouch low - keep your knees bent and
    • 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 - you never know when you might fall out or tip over.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • If you 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- you want to be prepared in case your canoe tips or the weather changes.
  • Be sure to bring the proper equipment:
    • Life vests
    • Sun protection – hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and pants
    • First aid kit
    • Plenty of food and water
    • Map – be sure you know where you are so you do not get lost!
  • Tie all equipment to your 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.
  • Do not litter – carry out everything you bring in.