This week’s discussion point from me is about paddling-related safety equipment and safety preparedness. Last week, we discussed the general checks and preparations that could be made on our knowledge, abilities, craft, equipment, clothing and other safety items. This week, we’ll take a deeper look at the safety aspect. Safety is everybody’s responsibility but especially starts with our own. Personal, group and craft safety can come in many forms from the types of clothing & buoyancy aids we may choose to wear, the training we may undertake, the throwlines, emergency communication/locator devices, first aid kits & group shelters we may choose to carry, the airbags or buoyancy methods we may choose to fit to our craft, and the weather and conditions checks we may carry out prior to hitting the water.

So…

Is all this necessary? Can we go ‘over the top’ with what we carry and does it depend on where we are, who we’re with, the craft we’re paddling, the time of year, the environments we’re choosing to paddle or our experience and that of those we’re paddling with?

What, if anything, do you carry or wear safety wise when you’re out paddling? What is your ‘must have’ safety item or safety preparation check? What’s the best safety advice or recommended piece of safety equipment you could advise a new or beginner paddler about?

Has a safety situation ever occurred that you felt unprepared for and learned from, or perhaps you’ve been involved in a situation that you managed thanks to your prior training, planning and preparation?