Articles and Content from the Paddle Sports Safety Campaign
- Stay Safe On Your Next Paddling Adventure
Paddling is a fun and safe activity, especially if you pay attention to these common-sense rules — always wear a life jacket, don’t paddle alone, dress for water temperature and don’t mix alcohol and paddling. - Bargain Kayak (Remember a Life Jacket!)
If you go to the box store for paper towels and end up with a kayak, make sure you also pick up a life jacket. Because nobody wants to pull a Brad. - Learn to Get Back On Your Kayak BEFORE You Flip
Getting back on your sit-on-top kayak isn’t that hard – if you know how. That’s why it’s a great idea to take a paddling safety class BEFORE you flip. - Don’t Forget the Leash and LifejacketÂ
You can pick up a new SUP anywhere these days, but you can’t buy common sense. Always remember to wear your life jacket and leash when you paddle your standup paddleboard. And if your honey asked you to get TP at the Big Box, don’t forget that either. - Always Wear Your Life Jacket
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, basic safety practices apply to any paddler. The most fundamental of those rules is a single piece of gear: a Life Jacket. - Dress for Immersion
If you’re going to be on the water, you need to be prepared to be in the water. Following best safety practices starts with the right equipment. - Always Check the Forecast
Some planning is necessary for any outdoor adventure. But often overlooked is one simple, yet critical checklist item: Check the weather forecast. - Always Paddle Sober
Being impaired by alcohol or drugs simply complicates any situation when it suddenly turns sideways. On a paddling excursion, the unpredictable nature of any body of water needs to be at the forefront of that clear mind. - Paddle with a Partner
When it comes to paddling in any body of water, it’s crucial to be mindful that no matter how calm and docile, conditions can change at any moment. - Don’t Try This at Home
Some of the most important decisions you make while boating happen before you even leave shore—like whether or not to knock back a few beers. Although it can be tempting to enjoy a drink or two while out on the water, booze and boating really don’t mix. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is… Read more: Don’t Try This at Home - Video: Salty Jefferson and The Missing Partner
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. On any paddling excursion: Always paddle with a partner, a plan, and with a marine VHF radio. - Video: Salty Jefferson and Sober Choices
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. In a case for clear decisions and safety on the water: Never paddle impaired. - Video: Salty Jefferson and Weather Ahead
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. For canoeing and kayaking, the reminder is clear: Always check the weather forecast to inform a safe plan. - Video: Salty Jefferson and What to Wear
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. If you’re going to be on the water, prepared to be in the water. Always dress for immersion. - Video: Salty Jefferson and The Legend of the Leash
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. When it comes to your next standup paddling adventure: Always Wear a Leash. - Video: Salty Jefferson, The Life Jacket Legend
Every paddler has heard the tales of ol’ Salty, or at least versions of them. In this case: Always Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket.
Paddling Awareness
The growing popularity of recreational kayaking, kayak fishing and standup paddle boarding has caused an increase of more than 26 percent in paddling accidents and fatalities since 2006. Our Paddling Awareness campaign works to reverse that trend by using paddling enthusiast magazines and digital media to deliver highly targeted safety messages to paddlers. Audience surveys show an ongoing culture shift toward safer paddling thanks to this outreach program, including limiting alcohol consumption and increased use of life jackets.