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:
Pack the right things
- Life vest for each person
- Water and food
- Extra clothes - You want to be prepared with dry clothes in case your canoe tips or the weather changes.
- Sun protection - hats, sunscreen, long sleeves and pants
- First aid kit
- Map - Be sure you know where you are so you do not get lost!
- Litter bag - Carry out everything you bring in!
Get ready
- Check the weather - You don't want to be on the water during a storm.
- Secure all of your equipment - Put everything in waterproof bags to keep it dry. Tie your equipment to one of the center beams in the canoe so that you don't lose everything if your canoe tips over.
- Always wear your life jacket - You never know when you might fall out or tip over unexpectedly.
Get into your canoe
- Ask someone to hold the canoe steady - You don't want to tip the canoe before you even get out on the water!
- Stay low - Keep your knees bent. Do not stand up or walk in your canoe when you are getting in OR when you are away from shore.
- Grab the sides of the canoe - This helps you balance as you walk or crawl to your seat.
- Keep to the center - Keeping your feet on the centerline will help keep the canoe from rocking.
Paddle safely
- Sit on the seats or in the center of the canoe - Sitting on the side of a canoe will cause it to tip over.
- Avoid sudden or jerky movements - Rocking from side to side could cause the canoe to tip over.
- Stay away from low-hanging trees and branches along the shore.
- 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.
- 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 waves might push your canoe over.
If your canoe tips over . . . .
- Don't panic
- Stay with your canoe - Your canoe will float even if it's full of water.
- Paddle or push your canoe to the shore - With the help of the other person in your canoe, you can get out in shallow water and flip the canoe to empty the water and climb in.
Once you learn these important tips, 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!
Go back to Summer Camping at the State Parks