Paddle safe

There are a number of guidelines that you can use to maintain a safe paddling environment.

• Know your skill level and that of your paddling partners.

Do not go out in conditions that you can't handle. If you want to challenge yourself, you must do it in the presence of other paddlers with appropriate experience. Otherwise, you should do it incrementally. For example, do not try surf for the first time in a gale. Start with small waves at a safe, sandy beach. Work you way up over time to bigger and more challenging waves.

• Keep your group together.

Do not break up a group during the day. The resources of several people are always greater than that of a few. For example, if someone has an equipment problem, do not send the rest of the group on saying "we'll catch up."" Stay together - if the problem turns out to be more serious than it first appears, you will be better positioned to fix it with all paddlers' knowledge and gear than with a couple.

• Plan your paddle and paddle your plan

Do not change your plans constantly. If your group gets separated briefly, they should all know where you are going so that they can meet up. If you change the plan during the split, the others will not know what's going on.

• File a float plan.
• Know your kayak and equipment.

You should know how to use it and how to repair it. Carry all necessary repair materials in your repair kit.

• Learn how to navigate

Make sure you have a good compass and chart and ensure that you know how to use it. Don't use a GPS until your navigation skills are solid.

I believe the majority of "kayak victims" are victims of their own ignorance, (weren't aware of the risks from the lack of experience), and the other percentage of victims, stem from bad decision making, because they underestimated Mother Nature, didn't give it any thought, or discounted the risks involved.

Your safety and what you do, and the decisions you make to ensure your safety, is entirely up to you.

GOLDEN RULE #1: Determining the safety of a situation is the logical conclusion in everything we do in life. At least I hope it is. It is your sole responsibility to access whether the situation you are placing yourself in is safe, or too risky to your well being.

Rule # 2 You need to assume full responsibility for yourself for determining the conditions of the water, land and weather before and during the trip.

Rule #3 You need to accept the responsibility to make your own independent decision as to whether you are physically qualified to participate in the outing.

Rule #4 You need to assume full responsibility for assuring that your paddling equipment and accessories are proper to meet the safety needs of the conditions in which you will be paddling.

Rule #5 You need to possess sufficient knowledge, skills and judgment to determine your own activities during the trip. You need to become knowledgeable regarding safety equipment and its proper use and have outfitted your boat and yourself as you determine in your own best interest.

Rule #6 You need to determine what the safety risk factors are during the outing, and access whether or not you are comfortable with the risks involved. Example: Is the lake known for having gusty wind conditions, large swells, rough landing, dangerous animals, etc. If you are unaware of the dangers, it is up to you to inquire, and do the research. After all, isn’t your life worth the effort and precaution?

Rule #7 You are responsible for deciding when and to what extent you will follow someone else’s judgment, and recommendation and when you will chose to act independently.

Rule # 8 If you have any doubts about the distance of the paddle or the weather conditions, it is your responsibility to make inquires so you can access whether or not you feel confident in participating. You would have to make the same determination if you paddle alone.

Rule # 9 If you participate in a kayak outing whether that entails kayak fishing, sea kayaking or paddling on a lake, if you have doubts about your physical capabilities, it is placing all of the other participants in the group at risk, so please make an honest assessment of your capabilities and convey them to the group if you have any doubts, before departing.

Rule #10 The main thing to take into consideration is, your safety is your responsibility, and to not to over extend yourself or to place yourself in a situation you are unable to handle by yourself. It is up to you to determine what your limitations are, and to take the appropriate action, that includes whether you make the decision to follow someone else’s recommendations, or whether the individuals you are paddling create a more dangerous situation for your safety. Example: They do not know how to self rescue if they capsize, or are not in good physical condition in which to paddle back in during gusty wind conditions. They do not wear a life jacket, or are too drunk too paddle etc.

Be as prepared as possible at all times, because your chances of survival increase immensely when you are prepared, and to remember at all times your safety is entirely up to you and the decisions (or lack of them) you make.