‘Paddle Safe Week’ promotes kayak, canoe, SUP safety

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring the week of July 21-27 to be statewide “Paddle Safe Week.” 

In partnership with the Washington State Parks Boating Program, Paddle Safe Week will lead a statewide effort to create a culture of safety around paddle sports. The campaign recognizes that Washington’s diverse waterways require different skills, preparation and safety equipment.

In the last five years, paddlers have come to represent 55% of the statewide recreational boating fatalities. Growing popularity and lack of safety education have contributed to this shift.

“Paddle Safe Week is a great opportunity to help reduce paddle sports-related fatalities by sharing resources and educating the community on how to recreate safely,” Boating Program Manager Rob Sendak stated in a news release about Paddle Safe Week. “Paddlers should know that kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards (SUP) are subject to boating laws and regulations.”

Sendak urges all participants to boat responsibly to prevent accidents, minimize impacts and avoid conflicts with other boaters.

The Washington State Parks Boating Program maintains a collection of free digital safety resources and information for paddlers at parks.wa.gov. 

The single, most important way to paddle safely is to always wear a life jacket on the water. State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.

The program also recommends the following safety practices:

• Get Educated – Find classes through local clubs and outfitters, city and county parks and recreation departments, and online.
• Always use a SUP Leash – Stay tethered to the paddleboard for extra flotation and a chance to stay alive in an accident. For stand-up paddlers a leash is a necessity.
• Carry Essential Gear – Carry the essentials for safety, emergency communications and comfort.
• Check and Understand the Weather – Check the weather frequently before and during each trip, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts.
• Protect Against Cold Water Shock – Avoid the biggest risk, which is not hypothermia but cold-water shock. Cold water shock occurs in the first stage of immersion (from an accidental fall overboard). Be prepared. Wear a life jacket.
• File a Float Plan – Before heading out, study the intended route, and let someone know the plan.
• Paddle with a Group – Go out with at least three people and stay close enough for visual or verbal contact.
• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs – Stay alert and maintain situational awareness. These are key for safety on the water.
• Learn how to self-rescue – Know how to get back in or on the craft. Paddlecraft are typically safe, but there’s a higher risk of going overboard and becoming an accidental swimmer.
• Label your Paddlecraft – Use a sticker or some other means to provide contact information for privately owned paddlecraft. When empty paddlecraft are found adrift, it’s assumed someone is in danger. Calling the owner of a craft found adrift can help prevent unnecessary searches and free up resources.

Be Visible to Other Boaters – Paddle to be seen. Wear bright neon and contrasting colors, put highly reflective tape on paddles, use a flagpole and carry a bright light.