CANOEING/KAYAKING ETIQUETTE

Etiquette on the water is based on three concepts:

  1) The safety and comfort of you and the people around you.
  2) The welfare and survival of your fellow non-human creatures.
  3) The preservation of the environment.

 Paddling in a group: Wait for others to unload boat and enter water before leaving the put-in.

There is safety in numbers-don't boat alone. If you do, tell others where you are going and when to expect you back home.

Wear your PFD (personal flotation device) It not only makes sense, it is the law-it must be accessible in Georgia and South Carolina.

Recognize your limits. Be REALISTIC. Avoid situations that are beyond your boating and swimming ability.

Become a competent swimmer.

Learn the essential canoeing/kayaking strokes and practice them until they are learned muscle memory. The best boater is a skillful boater.

Think and plan ahead. Know what hazards you are likely to encounter-rocks, trees, waterfalls, tide, current, water levels and PLEASE check the weather conditions BEFORE you leave. Thunder is deadly.

Be suitably prepared and equipped-proper footgear, sun protection, raingear, spare dry clothing, rescue line/tow rope, spare paddle, boat repair kit, first aid kit, duct tape, map, knife, ect. Secure your glasses.

Be aware of cold water and weather extremes. Wetsuits are great. Dress for the water temperature, NOT the air temperature.

Be sure your craft is in good repair.

Equip your canoe and kayak with bow and stern lines.

Have a safety plan. Understand your responsibility to help your partner and other members in your group.

Keep boats a safe distance apart. Allow the boat in front of you to clear a potentially hazardous stretch before you enter it.