To avoid having a canoe tipping turn into a disaster 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. Map – be sure you know where you are so you do not get lost!Įven if you are experienced and careful, it is still possible that you may tip.Sun protection – hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and pants.A personal flotation device (life vest), with a whistle attached, for each passenger.A light if you will be out in low-light conditions.A dry change of clothes in cooler weather.A whistle or air horn to signal distress.At least two paddles, plus an extra in case you drop or break one.It is also a good idea to let a family member or a friend know about your trip and when you plan to return home.īefore you even step into your canoe, make sure it is in good condition and that you take along the following items: When you are paddling a section of a river for the first time you should find out about currents, obstructions like dams or weirs and other information that could effect your safety. It is recommended that you canoe with a minimum of two boats. And don’t go out alone - there’s safety in numbers. Try to avoid high water (it makes a river run faster), high winds and storms. Choose a lake or river that is appropriate for your skill level. You can minimize your risk of danger by being smart about where and when you canoe. As easy as it may seem to leisurely paddle a canoe, a journey can quickly become dangerous if appropriate safety guidelines are overlooked. But don’t let a canoe’s simplicity fool you. These boats have remained virtually unchanged in design for thousands of years. The canoe is one of the oldest means of water travel. The new portage path makes this portage doable for all levels of paddlers.
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