Paddling sports are becoming increasingly popular, but many parents, especially parents of young children, worry that this form of outdoor recreation is not safe for kids.
Kayaking and canoeing with kids is a safe and fun outdoor sport, as long as basic safety rules are followed. When paddling with kids, it’s important to make sure everyone is wearing life preservers, that you paddle in calm water, and that you are prepared for emergencies. Knowing how to navigate is also important so you don’t get lost.
Learning how to paddle safely is not difficult, but here are the things you should learn more about:
How to Kayak Safely With Kids
When you are paddling, whether with or without kids, it’s critical to understand the risks and how to be safe in the water. Even if you are used to the outdoors and are a regular swimmer, you should pay attention to basic paddling and water safety rules. Here is a list of a few of the most important rules you should understand and follow when paddling (and especially when paddling with children):
- Wear your lifejacket
- Wear a whistle
- Educate and train yourself
- Never paddle alone
- Always have a plan (and tell someone)
- Watch the weather
- Avoid cold water and cold air
- Only paddle in flat water with kids
- Dress appropriately
- Never paddle without water
Wear Your Lifejacket
You should always wear your life jacket when you are on the water. You and your children should be wearing properly fitting, comfortable, coast guard-approved life jackets. In most states, it is illegal for children to be on a boat without wearing a life jacket, and in some areas, this rule is extended to adults as well.
Wear a Whistle
In some areas, it’s a requirement to wear some kind of device that can be used to make noise and help with a rescue. A whistle attached to your life jacket or on a lanyard is a good, easy option. Attach whistles to your children, as well, but they should know that they are for emergency use only.
Educate and Train Yourself
Learn as much as you can about water and wilderness safety, as well as paddling and maneuvering. Educating yourself is a big part of being prepared to handle emergencies and unforeseen events while paddling, especially when you are with children. Learn how to find good paddling areas, how to handle bad weather, and how to flip over and climb in an overturned kayak.
Never Paddle Alone
One important safety tip is to avoid paddling alone. If you paddle with another craft or in a group, the chances of getting help quickly when something goes wrong are greatly increased.
Always Have a Plan
You should file a float plan with a local agency or a family member before you go on a paddling trip. If you are going out for a few hours, this might be as simple as a conversation or text about where you will be. If you are going to be out for longer or going somewhere riskier, you might want to create a more detailed plan.
Watch the Weather
Make sure that you check the weather and conditions before you attempt a paddling trip. Not only do you want to check for dangerous storms, but you also want to avoid kayaking in windy or cold conditions. Also, check the tide and current conditions if they will affect the area you are paddling in.
Avoid Cold Water and Cold Air
Experts recommend sticking to warm temperatures, especially when paddling with children. Even when the air feels warm, remember that you will get wet while paddling. You should stick with the 100 rule: Never paddle when the temperature of the air plus the temperature of the water is under 100° F unless you are wearing a wetsuit and prepared to battle hypothermia.
Only Paddle in Flat Water With Kids
When you are paddling with kids, you should only attempt flat water such as calm lakes and slow rivers. Rapids and ocean currents are best for people with more experience and older children or teens.
Dress Appropriately
You should dress in layers when you paddling and be prepared to get wet. If the weather is warm, you will likely welcome the splashing, however, if the day is cool you might want to bring a waterproof layer. Make sure you are prepared with layers that can be removed or added as your children get cool or warm.
Never Paddle Without Hydration
You should always have hydration when you are paddling. Many people forget to bring water when they are kayaking, perhaps because being on the water doesn’t seem as thirst-inducing as hiking or other outdoor activities. However, paddling is more strenuous than you might expect and you should always be prepared with extra water for both you and your passengers.
How to Prepare for a Paddling Trip
If you prepare properly for your paddling trip, whether short or long, you will be less likely to encounter problems. In addition, when you do have an issue, it will be less likely to turn dangerous or become an emergency if you are prepared.
The first thing you should do to prepare for a paddling trip is to educate yourself. Learn how to paddle safely and what to do if there’s an accident or problem. For example, learn how to right a capsized craft, how to reenter a kayak, and how to handle cold water immersion. You should also educate yourself about the area where you will be paddling. Learn about the hazards in the area and if there are any tidal currents, rapids, or other more dangerous areas. You should also study a map and learn to navigate the area.
Before you kayak you should also make sure that you have everything that you need and that you have dressed appropriately for the weather and water conditions. You should also notify someone, preferably more than one person, about your trip. They need to know where you plan to go, what route you will be taking, how many people are going with you, and how long you plan to be gone. Finally, don’t forget to notify them when you get back safely so they won’t worry or begin a search process.
What to Bring When Kayaking with Kids
Exactly what you should bring on a kayaking trip can depend on many factors, such as the weather, where you are going, how long you will be gone, and the ages of your kids. However, here are some of the things you may want to bring:
- Water
- Life preservers for everyone
- First aid kit
- Snacks and food
- Extra clothing to change into after the trip (at least extra dry socks for those soaked feet!)
- Warm layers
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sunhat
- Bug spray and protection
- Toys and entertainment for the youngest kids if there will be boring portions of the trip
- Flashlight
- Survival supplies like fire-starting supplies and foil blankets
Conclusion
Taking safety precautions, packing emergency supplies, and preparing properly will allow you to have a good paddling experience with your children. By educating yourself and your children and following basic water safety rules, you won’t have to worry about the dangers of paddling.
