It is one of the safest outdoor activities to go canoeing. How can you be safe while canoeing? Despite this, there is a need to follow some basic safety principles.
Stretching
Before and after hitting the water, take a few minutes to do some simple upper and lower body stretches to stay healthy on and off the water.
General Safety
Though flat water canoeing is generally a safe activity, it is not impossible to get into trouble. This is because being out on the water means that things can quickly get dire. Here are some tips on how to handle some of these situations.
It is surprising how easy it is to avoid dangerous situations. In the first place, booze and paddling do not mix. Many boating-related accidents are caused by alcohol.
You should also wear a PFD whenever you’re on the water, and paddling PFDs are the ideal choice because they’re the most comfortable.
The third step is to choose an appropriate paddling spot. Choosing one that is sheltered from wind and waves, has easy access points, and has little motorboat traffic is crucial.
Be conservative when paddling in cold water, and dress for the conditions.
Dealing with Weather
The weather will always influence whether or not you should venture out canoeing, depending on where you paddle. You will face different weather hazards. Wind and waves are the most significant weather concerns in large bodies of water and the ocean.
You can quickly avoid getting caught out in nasty, windy, and wavy conditions. Stay close to shore if you plan on wading out into a large body of water. Keep calm and protected by staying away from open water.
Thunderstorms are another weather hazard. how can you be safe while canoeing? Thunder signals the presence of lightning. As the highest point in any direction, you’re a perfect lightning rod while you’re in the water. You should get out of the water when there’s a thunderstorm nearby.
Boat Traffic
Even though lakes are great places for canoes, you may have to share them with power boats, sailboats, and jet skis. In that case, you should stay near the shore and out of the way. It is probably a power boat’s wave that poses the greatest danger, and way boats provide maximum protection. It is advisable to direct your canoe directly into them.
There are many great places to paddle in rivers. Winds and waves tend to stay away from them. On a hot days, they can provide shaded areas for escaping the sun, and they are usually very accessible. Sometimes, they even give a mild current to assist you in moving downstream. A day trip with wind can be delightful, but it also presents some new hazards that should be understood.
Let’s start by appreciating the power of moving water. A full-grown adult can easily be overwhelmed even by a gentle current. Paddling in a river section, you can’t afford to be surprised if the riverbed drops or constricts and the current picks up. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you get on the water.
Strainers
Although most people fear rocks, fallen trees are one of the most dangerous things. This is because they can create something called a filter when they are stuck in the current. The dams let water through, stopping everything else, and can trap canoes and swimmers.
Low-Head Dams
In addition to low-head dams and weirs, you must avoid any river features that have a low head. As a result, rescue teams often refer to them as drowning machines because they cause reversing currents called hydraulics.
River Swimming
You should know one last hazard if you swim against the current. How can you be safe while canoeing. Even though there is nothing wrong with taking a swim in gentle winds, you must be aware of the dangers of having your feet entrapped. The river’s power could push you over if you fall into a crack or depression in a riverbed.
Avoid foot entrapment by resisting the temptation to walk into shore when the current is strong. Instead of standing up, stay in the water and swim to the beach.
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