Safety Precautions to Observe on a Kayaking Trip

Any outdoor activity poses some dangers and risks because anything can happen. Proper care and caution should always be exercised while undertaking any outdoor activity.

Kayaking is no difference. Kayaking adventures can easily end up fatal if proper care and caution is not exercised. Observing some safety rules and precautions can greatly reduces chances of the occurrence of accidents and help mitigate risks. Moreover, one of the basic safety precaution; which needs to prevails always is the use of life jackets/life safer. Any water experience should be undertaken while one is wearing a life saver.

Other safety tips to be observed during kayaking include :

Keep Tabs on the Weather Conditions and Changes

Weather conditions on water bodies can change quickly with minimal prior signs. If strong winds and waves prevail, they can easily overturn and capsize a kayak.

Therefore, before embarking on your kayak expedition it is paramount that you check on day’s prevailing weather conditions on the region you want to adventure. You can check this with the national weather office of your kayaking region.

Avoid Solo Adventures

Kayaking while alone is never advisable. As a matter of fact, if you really want to have fun and adventure, its best to team up with a friend or partner. As if pertains to safety in the waters, especially if you are going inland into large waters, its always advisable to be in the company of another person.

Notify Family or Friends

Furthermore, it’s advisable to notify a friend or your family of your plans and where you are heading. Let them know how deep and far you intend to reach. If you are in the company of your co-workers or you’re teamed up as a group; let all this be known to a friend or family who are left behind. Also you need to include other fine details; which are important; such as time of departure, time you’re expected for arrival, route to be taken etc.

Always Wear Safety Gear and Equipment

— A personal floatation device/equipment (life saver) is a must-wear.

— When you plan any trip on water, at some point you will get wet. Therefore, wear protective clothing and footwear that if wets doesn’t make you uncomfortable.

— You should also carry a waterproof bag; in which you will keep your personal effect. This waterproof bag will help to secure and keep your items dry incase of a capsize.

— You must carry signaling devices, at least two of them. A waterproof flashlight is a must; as well as cellphone in a waterproof bag, also you may carry a throw-rope/tow rope, reflective material or clothing, floating line, whistles etc.

Be Alert and Know Your Limits.

Kayaking may be fun and you may end up completely engrossed with the adventure. This should not be the case. You need to be alert and on the lookout of any incoming freighters. Freighters move much faster than expected and may not be able to notice smaller watercrafts on the waters. So be on the look out.

Also you need to know the expertise and capabilities of your swimming and paddling skills and how great they are. You don’t have to be deep inland into the sea while you are not good at paddling or swimming. If something occurs, you might succumb to it.

 

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