Safety Tips

•  Always wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). A PFD is legally required for every person on board. Some 80 percent of all recreational boating fatalities happen to people who are not wearing their life jacket
• Expect to get wet. Bring extra clothing in a waterproof bag.
• If you capsize, hold onto your canoe or kayak, unless it presents a life-threatening situation. If floating in current, position yourself on the upstream side of the capsized canoe or kayak.
• Scout ahead whenever possible. Know the river, avoid surprises. 
• Never take your canoe or kayak over a dam.
• If you collide with an obstruction, lean towards it. This will prevent capsizing.
• Portage you canoe or kayak around any section of water about which you feel uncertain.
• Dress appropriately for the weather and anticipate weather changes. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and extra clothes.
• Wear brightly colored clothing to improve your visibility to other boaters.
• Review your exit points and portages before launching and be aware of hazards (i.e., dams)
• Bring drinking water and safety equipment, such as a first aid kit, rain gear, a lashing line for docking. Bring along an extra paddle.
• Carry a map and trail guide, and a signaling device such as a whistle. 
• Check weather forecast before you head out. Review the weather and wind conditions.
• Stay nearer to shore. It is not advisable to paddle across the lakes. Always keep a watch on changing weather and water conditions. 
• Keep trip lengths reasonable for the weather conditions and type of craft you are in. Allow a maximum of two miles for each hour paddling time under normal conditions. 
• Let someone know your plans, where you are going, who is with you and when you plan to be back. Never boat alone.
• In case of an emergency, contact 9-1-1

Remember

• RESPECT PRIVATE PROPERTY Much of the land along the waterways is private. Enter only with permission of the owner.
• BE SAFE  Always use a personal floatation device and avoid hazards. Canoeing and kayaking is a potentially dangerous sport, which changes according to water level. Logs, strainers, bridges and fences may be encountered on any of these rivers and paddlers should be advised to seek local council on changing water conditions. PADDLERS ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS.  
• LIMIT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION  Intoxication on waterways leads to increased risk of drowning. 
• NO LITTERING OR DUMPING Leave only footprints, take only photos. 

HAVE FUN!