American Canoe Association - Top 10 Safety Tips

Planning to Paddle? Know Your Limits!

 American Canoe Association Top 10 Safety Tips

When getting ready to head out on your next paddling trip, be sure to keep these five safety tips in mind to ensure you have an enjoyable time on the water.

1. Take an on-water Course - whether it's a safety or skill development course, an ACA on-water instruction course provides the information you need for canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, rafting or safety & rescue.

2.  Wear Your Lifejacket - Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak, SUP or raft? Learn more about PFDs and how they might just save your life.

3. Cold Water Safety - Cold water is extremely dangerous! Learn more about protecting yourself in this environment

4. Rules of the Road - What paddlers need to know when sharing the waterways

5. Safety Check - Safety tips you need to consider the next time you head out on the water

In addition to the "Top Five" here are 5 more to round out the "Top Ten"!

6. Practices, Ethics and Conduct - Key points on how to appropriately share, and enjoy our natural paddling resources

7. Know Your Limits - Good things to contemplate before you leave shore

8. River Paddler's Guide to Rescue - The basics, just in case...

9. Best Practices for Paddlers and Paddlesports Programs

10. Trip Preparation and Planning - Getting ready to schedule your next trip? Learn more useful tips