This week, July 19-25, the Washington State Parks Boating Program wants paddlers to have fun on the water while being safe. The Paddle Safe Week campaign focuses on safety on Washington’s marine and fresh waterways.
According to the Outdoor Foundation’s “2019 Special Report on Paddlesports and Safety,” paddle sports continue to grow in popularity, with kayaking and stand up paddling leading the way. But only 23 percent of kayakers and 31 percent of stand up paddlers have considered taking formal safety training, the report found.
“These statistics are troubling,” said Rob Sendak, boating program manager for the Washington State Boating Program, in a press release. “Paddle sports are fun activities, but they also involve risk. We strongly recommend people educate themselves. Educated paddlers make life-saving choices to increase their safety and reduce risk – such as always wearing a life jacket and filing a float plan.”
Safety is especially important in paddle sports, as kayaks and stand up paddlers are at a higher risk of capsizing and swamping than other boats, according to the news release. Since 2012, close to half of all boating deaths in the state involved paddlecraft.
The boating program recommends that paddlers become educated on laws and safety procedures. At a minimum, people should take a course to learn about safety, emergency procedures and navigational rules.
State law requires that all vessels have at least one properly-fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, and all children 12 and under must wear a life jacket. Seventy-nine percent of paddle-related fatalities from 2015 to 2017 involved drownings, and of those drowning victims, 74 percent weren’t wearing a life jacket, according to the news release.
Before going out on the water, people should have a route plan, even if just going out for a short paddle, and always tell someone the plan.
Paddlers should carry essentials for safety, emergency communications and comfort. State law requires carrying a sound-producing device, such as a whistle – even on a stand up paddleboard.
Paddlers should check the weather frequently before and during their trip, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts. Check warnings, weather conditions, wind and wave forecasts, tides or river flows.
Falling into water under 60 degrees is dangerous and many local waters, including lakes and rivers, stay below 60 degrees all year. The biggest risk is not hypothermia but cold water shock, which can happen very quickly.
Operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, is unsafe and illegal. Washington state’s Boating Under the Influence law applies to all boats including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, rowboats and inflatable fishing rafts.
People should paddle to be seen by wearing bright colors and colors that contrast, sticking reflective tape on paddles, using a flagpole and carrying a bright light.
Learn more about Paddle Safe Week and the Washington State Parks Boating Program at parks.wa.gov/boating.
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