Today is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day and the United States Coast Guard Auxillary is reminding kayakers and paddle boarders about essential safety gear they should bring along while out on the water.
Essential safety gear includes:
- Wearing a properly fitted life jacket (non-inflatable type life jackets are recommended) • A sound-producing device (such as a whistle attached to your life jacket) • A light (if you will be paddling at night or may be caught in a low-visibility situation) • Means of communication (handheld waterproof VHF is preferable to cell phone) • Day visual distress signal (signal mirror, orange flag, etc.)
- Night visual distress signals (personal marker light, flares, etc.)
- A properly registered personal locator beacon (PLB) or emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
- A dependable means of communication (handheld, waterproof VHF radio is more reliable than a cell phone)
- Carrying proper hydration and having protection from elements makes for a more comfortable outing.
Since human-powered vessels operate on and share the waterways with powered vessels, paddlers are required to know and practice navigation rules. Taking a general boating safety class or one tailored for paddlers will provide the knowledge needed to be a safe paddler.
Before setting out on each paddle, be sure to check the weather and conditions expected throughout your trip, plan accordingly, and share your float plan with someone who can summon help should you not return when expected. Let them know the description of your paddlecraft, where you plan to paddle to as well as your planned launch and return times.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the safe boating classes, Boat America and Paddlers Guide to Safety, and will perform a courtesy vessel safety check by appointment, at your location, that will check your required safety gear and answer your boating safety questions.
For information on safe boating classes, taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certified instructors, in Southwest Florida, CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the vessel safety check process and request your courtesy vessel safety check, performed by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certified Vessel Examiners, by appointment and at your location, CLICK HERE.