Kayaking is an exhilarating sport but also a very dangerous one. Even the most experienced paddlers can get it wrong. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure that you don’t get hurt on the water. If you’re planning on getting into kayaking, you might be wondering how to avoid kayaking accidents and save your life.
Here are some helpful tips on how to avoid kayaking accidents and save your life.
Tips To Avoid Kayaking Accidents And Save Your Life!
There are several ways to prevent kayaking accidents. First, be aware of your surroundings. Motorboats and jet skis are not uncommon on the water. In case of a collision, you’ll most likely take the brunt of the impact. Wear bright colors and consider adding lights to your kayak. Another way to keep your kayak visible is to be aware of the weather conditions. Finally, you can report kayaking accidents to the local police.
What Are The Dangers Of Kayaking?
While kayaking is not dangerous in and of itself, there are several hazards to be aware of. While you should be careful of spooky critters and sudden changes in water temperature, you also should be aware of any objects above the water. These objects could be anything from large rocks to low-hanging tree branches. Avoid these objects to avoid having an unpleasant accident while kayaking. You may even need to use a plastic paddle to protect yourself from these hazards.
While there are a few risks to kayaking, these are largely uncontrollable. While it is safe to paddle close to land, kayaking through class IV whitewater rapids is not. Kayaking through ice-cold water can be hazardous, but fortunately, you can often get back on track by splashing on land. Even if you’ve paddled many times before, you can still capsize. Large waves can tip you over! Make sure you wear a PFD at all times.
Similarly, large ships and other large water users can easily unsettle a kayak. They may not be able to see you and can therefore cause you to capsize. When paddling near such a large vessel, it is advisable to wait until the boat passes. The danger of being hit by a ship while kayaking is far greater than that of a shark or a boat. So it is always best to avoid these risks and paddle with caution.
Dangers Of Kayaking In The Ocean
While the risks of kayaking on the ocean are similar to those in other water conditions, sea kayaking poses unique challenges. The ocean offers unpredictable weather patterns that change rapidly, making the kayaking experience a riskier proposition. Kayaks should be well-suited for the ocean, which is why sea kayaks are often called touring kayaks. If you choose a kayak not designed for the ocean, you may be vulnerable to tidal currents and rip currents, two of the most common dangers to sea kayaking.
A personal flotation device, or PFD, is necessary for ocean kayaking. These devices must fit the kayaker and are mandatory by Coast Guard regulations. Not only is the PFD important for your personal safety, but it also helps keep you warm and insulated in cold waters. Using a PFD is particularly important when ocean kayaking in the winter when wind and rain can be brutal. It is also a mandatory safety item that should be worn by everyone.
Seasickness is another common problem kayakers face when sea kayaking. Severe seasickness can make you dizzy and fatigued, which can compromise your ability to perform the activities that make kayaking so hazardous. If you do develop seasickness during a kayaking trip, let your kayaking buddy know immediately. They can also contact the shoreline and help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Kayaking Accidents Report
Despite the low number of fatalities, there are still many risks associated with kayaking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has statistics that show that canoers and kayakers were involved in nearly a third of all kayaking accidents. In fact, motorboats were responsible for 46.9% of all kayaking accidents. While motorboats may seem more dangerous, kayaks and canoes represent a small fraction of all watercraft registered.
Last year, there were 109 canoers and kayakers drowning. Of these, 85% drowned. Although only 22% wore a life jacket, this is better than the current rate of drowning. Regardless of where you kayak, make sure to wear a life jacket! Using a life jacket is the most effective way to improve your safety on the water. The following report summarizes the most common types of kayaking accidents.
A kayaker got into trouble off Bulloch Harbour, near Dalkey Island. She ignored a small craft warning and failed to pay attention to the weather forecast. The kayaker was part of a sea kayaking tour with three instructors and 12 participants. She was thrown out of the kayak twice. The other two kayakers managed to get out of the water and paddle back to shore. Fortunately, the two instructors on tour assisted the kayaker.
Avoid Unwanted Incidents In Kayaking With These Tips
One of the most common mistakes people make when kayaking is not being visible. Kayaks are small, and visibility can be crucial when paddling in big lakes and the open sea. Motorboats, jet skis, and even other kayaks can cause a problem if you’re not visible. To avoid such unwanted kayaking incidents, make sure to wear bright clothing and attach lights to your kayak. Also, make sure you know the names of other paddlers in the group and leave contact information for emergency contacts.
Another common mistake is paddling in waterways not suited for kayaking. Certain waterways may be too deep for a kayaker to handle, or they may not have the appropriate equipment. Considering this, research the area and paddle on it before going kayaking. Consider the air temperature and water conditions, as well as any currents. Remember that kayaks are small and hard to see, and large ships can be deadly.
While kayaking, make sure you wear a personal flotation device. Know the local boating laws and restrictions. Know the weather before heading out into the water. A personal flotation device is a good idea to use if you need to escape from an emergency. If kayaking on a lake, make sure you know the local laws and take note of any local restrictions. And don’t forget to read the rules and regulations regarding boating before you leave home.
Learn When Not To Kayak
It is important to know when not to kayak. Kayaking is a fun activity, but it is dangerous if you are not prepared. The number one problem when kayaking is logistics. If you are not familiar with the paddling area, you may capsize and have no way to get help. Listed below are a few times when not to kayak:
You should not paddle too far from land. In addition to dangers like incoming breakers, kayakers should stay close to shore to avoid the risk of capsized boats. If you hear thunder, immediately return to shore or at least make it a point to get out of the water. Remember, lightning tends to strike high objects, so be aware of your surroundings. Moreover, make sure to take your kayak out of the water if you see any metal or object.
You should never kayak during a storm. Even if it is not a violent storm, it is possible that you could be out on the water when a storm breaks out. As soon as you hear thunder and see lightning, it is important to get off the water as quickly as possible. Lightning and water don’t mix, and they could potentially electrocute you. As a result, kayakers should keep these precautions in mind and plan their trips accordingly.
Stay Informed
Another thing to know is the state and location of any utilities near the water. In some areas, it might be best to avoid kayaking during thunderstorms. Areas with lightning hazards, such as the direct line between you and the water, should be avoided by all paddlers. This is especially true if you have children at your party, as they might get too close to the water and get a shock. To stay safe, always wear a flare or other signaling device in an emergency.
Learn To Plan Your Trip
The first thing you’ll want to do is plan the trip. Go over the route and know what areas are prone to currents and waves. You also want to make sure that the area you’re traveling to is stable. If there are often storms, you may want to avoid traveling in the summer. Also, some people find that the water temperature is too hot for kayaking. If you’re going to be out at any time, you’ll want to consider getting a water-based heat system.
Don’t Drink, And kayak
This may seem like a no-brainer, but millions of people drink and use kayaking as an excuse to go out and play in the water. Unfortunately, this can lead to bad results. Many people who go kayaking fall into the trap of thinking that they can just put the bottle in the water and go it alone. However, contrary to popular belief, kayaking is not a “solo” sport. However, you can have a look at our take on solo kayaking.
And paddling a kayak requires a fair amount of skill, and even the most experienced kayakers will occasionally get it wrong. You should always be aware of your surroundings, be careful where you’re going, and be mindful of your surroundings while kayaking. You also shouldn’t perform any strenuous activities while kayaking, as you’ll be doing a lot of paddle strokes. If you can sit down for a while, that’s great. But when you’re on the water, make sure to keep your energy up and don’t overdo it.
Get Insurance For Your Kayak
You want to make sure that you have the right insurance coverage for your kayak and that you have it during the year that you’re going to be out paddling. If you have a premiere show or a lot of other events that you’re likely to attend, you may want to consider getting additional insurance coverage. If you’re only going to be out for a few hours, you shouldn’t need to purchase additional coverage. But if you’re planning on spending a lot of time out on the water, you might want to consider it.
Learn To Paddle In Different Situations
Another thing to keep in mind while kayaking is your paddling technique. Make sure that you’re properly gripping the water-attracting edge of the kayak and that your feet are slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Paddling with one hand and holding onto something else with the other, such as a paddle, can be tricky. If you have a hard time keeping your balance, you may want to rethink how you’re doing it.
Keep in mind that paddling is repetitive motion. However, if you have a chance to sit down and take a break, that’s great. But when you’re on the water, make sure to keep your energy up and don’t overdo it.
Don’t Forget The Life Jacket!
The last thing you want to do while on the water is forgotten your life jacket. These should be kept at all times and kept dry. If you’re not using it, it should be stored in a dry bag or box. And if you’re not keeping it dry, it may be a sign that you should get it checked out.
Read Reviews
Some paddlers spend their time in quiet, rural areas with no waves or currents to contend with. In these areas, there’s no need to be careful. However, if you’re going to be out on the open water, you’ll want to be mindful of the dangers of rogue waves. These are large, violent oceanic waves that can suddenly hit the shore and cause mayhem. If you’re in a rip rap area or near the ocean where these waves are common, you should stay informed about what’s happening along the coast and heed warning signs.
Final Words
When it comes to avoiding kayaking accidents and saving your life, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind. Planning your trip, staying informed, reading reviews, and don’t drink and kayaking are all things that you’ll want to do to make sure that you don’t get hurt on the water.
