Clare’s Paddling Safety Checker
Before you head out on the water, have you:
✅ Checked the weather? All weather has impact on our paddling especially the wind – do you know what data you’re looking for and where and how to plan accordingly with that data?
✅ Checked the water conditions? Is there a directional flow? Are you paddling in a tidal zone? Spring or Neaps? Are there swells or currents? Has there been any recent downpours? Could there be hidden debris or machinery under the water that could cause issues such as entrapment?
✅ Notified somebody of your plans? Especially if planning on paddling solo. What info are you giving them and what are they to do with that info?
✅ A means of calling for help in an emergency situation? Do you carry a mobile phone? A radio? A personal locator beacon? A satellite phone? Flares?
✅ Enough food and drink for the time you’re expected to be on the water plus extra in case of delay or emergencies?
✅ The required safety equipment for your journey? E.g. a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or a BA (Buoyancy Aid)? Throw/tow line and/or tape? Knife/river saw? Emergency whistle? First Aid kit? An emergency fix-it kit for your craft? A helmet? A quick release belt system for ropes and SUP leashes? Survival bag/group shelter? Torch? Waterproof bags/containers/pouches to keep your gear dry and operable?
✅ Dressed to the temperature of the water? It’s easy to be complacent but consider how your clothing may affect the rest of your paddle should you take a dunk. Cold water shock and hypothermia are significant risk factors to your health and can happen even in summer! What’s appropriate for you – shorts and tshirt? Neoprene shorts/vests/hoodies combo? Shorty wetsuit? Long John wetsuit? Dry suit?
✅ Spare, dry, clothing? Appropriate for the season and conditions?
✅ The skills, knowledge, ability and experience for the water you’re intending on paddling? If not – how, where and with whom can you achieve that?
Disclaimer: Please note the above list is not exhaustive. Respect the water: seek and undergo training, paddle within your ability, paddle with others if possible, do your own research, seek advice, use common sense and “If in doubt, bail out”.
The water will be there another day – don’t become another statistic.
#RespectTheWater
Linked: SUP safety in the blog section