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Kayaking is a fun sport and great for all the family but you must make sure you have the correct safety gear and know how to keep yourself and your family safe. We’ve put together some guidelines to make sure you can do this.
Never Paddle Alone
This is of paramount importance and cannot be stated too many times! However experienced you are, and however skilled at rolling disasters can still happen and you don’t want to be alone if it does.
Life Jacket or Personal Flotation Devices (PDF’s)
Wear your life jacket (PDF) at all times and put in on BEFORE YOU GET ON THE WATER! You cannont put it on in an emergency situation when you are in the kayak. Even if you are a very strong swimmer you may be knocked unconscious or have other problems that can prevent you from swimming to shore.
Helmets
If you are whitewater kayaking you must wear an approved helmet. For other situations wear a brimmed hat to protect you from the sun or to
help keep you warm on cold days.
Footwear
You should always wear adequate foot protection. In the cold weather neoprene boots and socks are ideal, in warmer weather sneakers, plastic deck shoes are fine. Good protection is necessary as you may need to walk on the shore where rocks, shells and debris can cause injuries.
Whistle
Always carry a suitable whistle or horn to alert others if you are in trouble. Attach it to your PFD so that it is always with you even if you end up in the water!
Knife
It is a good idea to have a knife with you. Special knives made to be attached to your PDF are available
Protection from the Sun
Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection should always be worn even on overcast days as you will be spending a lot of time out on the water where there is no shade. Lip protection will also help to protect you from the drying effects of the wind.
Extra Paddles
You should always carry spare kayak paddles in case of breakage. Without a spare set if you lose or break your paddle you could be in a great deal of trouble. They can be carried on the back of the kayak attached with bungee cords.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit should be carried in your dry bag at all times. You never know when you, or fellow paddlers, will need it.
Phone or VHF Radio
In case of trouble you can you can call for help. A VHF radio is also helpful as you can listen to weather reports.
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