Paddle safety
When operating a paddle craft it's important to stay visible and know your surroundings, conditions and ability.
Overview
The waterways of New South Wales provide many beautiful locations for canoes, kayaks and other paddlecraft. Some areas are more challenging than others, but wherever you go paddling, it’s essential to prepare well for a safe and enjoyable outing.
Because of their small size and instability, paddle craft operators are vulnerable in the water. Paddle craft are also involved in incidents caused by other vessel operators, like those resulting from a lack of proper lookout or excess speed.
It’s your responsibility, along with other vessels, to keep a proper lookout and help avoid collisions.
Know the limits of your craft, as well as your own paddle abilities as paddling in certain weather conditions such as high wind can be extremely tiring.
Are you paddle ready?
Tips to stay safe
- Make sure you and your craft are easily visible at all times to other people and vessels by wearing a bright lifejacket and clothing and choose a brightly coloured hull if possible. At night, display the right lights to help others see you.
- Ensure that you have the correct lifejacket for your activity and wear them at all times.
- Ensure your craft is suitable for your ability and the conditions before you go.
- Check the weather, and if the weather or water looks rough, postpone your paddle or pick a more sheltered location.
- Tell someone where you are going and estimated time of return.
- Always wear a suitable lifejacket.
- Choose a paddle location that isn’t too busy and stay close to the shore wherever possible.
- Watch out for larger vessels - never try to cross ahead, always pass behind larger craft.
- Head out on the water with a buddy or stay in a group if possible – it’s more fun and it’s safer.
- When paddling, always wear a lifejacket. It's important that you choose the right type of lifejacket that best suits the type of activity and conditions you may face.
- Make sure that your lifejacket fits properly and is in a good working condition.
Choosing the right lifejacket for your activity and the conditions
- Plan ahead by checking the weather conditions such as wind and wave forecasts before you head out on the water.
- Visit the Bureau of Meterology or download the BOM weather app to receive forecasts and marine warnings to help you understand the conditions.
- Always check the weather and if conditions change, postpone your trip to another day.
Paddle Safety - checking the weather
- Make sure that you and your craft are visible by wearing a bright lifejacket and clothing and stay with your craft so its easier for you to be seen by other vessels and aircraft.
- If you fall in the water, use the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) to protect your body’s heat until help arrives, and always wear a lifejacket.
- Where possible, don’t try and swim to shore as distances over water appear shorter than they are and your clothing and the conditions can reduce your swimming abilities in the water.
