Boating Basics: On the Water for Other
Watersports
Paddlesports
Paddlers (those who boat in small crafts such as canoes, kayaks
and rafts) should follow the same safe practices as any other
small vessel operator.
 When paddling, you should:
- Know how to paddle or swim in strong currents and be an experienced
swimmer. Wear a life jacket (PFD) at all times and consider wearing
a helmet.
- Be prepared for cold water by wearing a wet or dry suit. Don't
underestimate cold water's ability to rob your strength.
- Never paddle alone. Paddle with someone familiar with
the waterway.
- Never overload the canoe. Tie down gear and distribute weight
evenly. Don't move around in the canoe as that can make
it unstable.
- Carry a first aid kit.
- Check your canoe for leaks.
- Map a general route and timetable when embarking on a long
trip. Arrange for your vehicles to be shuttled to the takeout.
- When approaching rapids or low-head dams, go ashore well upstream
and check them out before continuing. Be aware of any dangers
ahead. Steer clear of drop-offs and dams. Carry your craft around
low-head dams.
- Stay away from strainers. Strainers are river obstructions
that allow water to flow through but block vessels and could
throw you overboard and damage or trap your craft. Strainers
may include overhanging branches, log-jams or flooded islands.
- Dress in layers.
If you capsize, float on the upstream side of the canoe.
- You can be crushed on the downstream side if you run into an
obstruction.
- Do not attempt to stand or walk in swift-moving water unless
it is too shallow to swim. The current could pull you under if
your foot becomes trapped between submerged rocks.
- Float on your back with your feet and arms extended. Float
with your feet pointed downstream to act as a buffer against
rocks. Don't fight the current. Use the current to backstroke
your way to shore.
If canoeing on a lake, watch the weather and stay close to
shore. Head for shore if the waves increase.
In the past ten years (1994 through 2004) 40 people have died
in canoe and kayak related accidents in Massachusetts.
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