Basic Safety

BASIC SAFETY TIPS

 

If a vessel is bigger or faster than you are, keep out of its way! Your chance of being hit increases if you’re not seen. Do what you can to be noticed.

BE VISIBLE. Avoid being a target for larger or faster crafts.

BE PREPARED. Avoid being a statistic.

·         Wear Brightly-colored Life Jacket. International Orange and bright lemon yellow are probably best in most conditions.

·         Use a Paddle with high-visibility blades.

·         Wear a whistle. Be sure it works when it’s wet.

·         Carry a waterproof flashlight and signal flares. Even if you plan to be in before dark. Wind-up flashlights don’t require batteries.

·         Bring Sunblock, Hat, Nylon Jacket and Pants – to protect from weather / temperature extremes.

·         Bring Water and Food. Be able to hydrate and nourish yourself. Include extra for unexpected delays.

·         Bring your daily prescription meds, and other personal emergency medications in your waterproof bag – Enough for the trip plus 3 days extra. If possible bring a copy of original prescription provided by your doctor.

·         Have on your person: Waterproof Personal Picture ID.

·         Every canoe should have a fully stocked FIRST AID KIT.

·         Every canoe should have a crew with CPR and Cold Water Training experience.

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FIRST AID KIT BASICS

 

Band Aids, butterfly bandages, sterile gauze pads

Adhesive tape

Ace bandages to wrap sprains

Triangle bandage (for sling or large wound)

Moleskin for blisters

Antiseptic cream – topical pain relief

Antibiotic ointment – kills germs

Iodine, and alcohol pads, Hydrogen peroxide

Sun block lotion and lip balm

After-sun lotion, burn cream

Water purification tablets

Cramp tablets and sore muscle cream

Antacid tablets for upset tummy, and Kaopectate for diarrhea relief

Extra-strength Tylenol

Ibuprofen anti-inflammatory tablets

Throat lozenges

Eye drops

Bee Sting Kit / Allergy Kit (with Caladryl, Benedryl, tea bags, etc.) CLICK HERE  for info

Tweezers and magnifying glass

Small mirror

Safety pins (mix of large, medium and small)

Insect Repellent *

First Aid booklet explaining various emergency treatments

 

* Listerine or other mint mouth wash is said to be a good bug repellent.

 

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NOTABLE RESOURCE INFO FROM PADDLING.NET

 

Stretch of Coastline http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat167.html

 

Temperature enters into the equation http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat210.html

 

Allergies, Emergencies and First Aid Kits http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?279

 

You can drown in a farm pond (Staying Alive) http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat13.html

 

Hubris is a one-way ticket to tragedy http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat79.html

 

A Weather Eye http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat41.html

 

Heed your inner voice http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat73.html

 

A sudden squall http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat91.html

 

Become an expert http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?32

 

Sea-worthiness http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat40.html

 

Outfitting is important: Canoes http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?25

Kayaks: http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?26

 

Tie a knot http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat200.html

 

Make a bailer from a milk jug http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat195.html

 

Rudders too are all but essential  http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?33

 

Topographic Maps http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat6.html

 

Reliable pocket compass http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat154.html

 

Batteries have the habit of dying… http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat72.html

 

Paddlers can never depend on being seen http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat14.html

 

Light and sound signals help http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat181.html

 

Required by law on navigable waters http://www.paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat93.html

 

Surplus catalogs http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat205.html

 

Why You Need Water http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat141.html

 

A rucksack http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat115.html

Emergency ration  http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat163.html

Your PFD  http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?8

That’s what lists are for http://paddling.net/sameboat/archives/sameboat17.html