Get trained on basic Kayaking Safety Skills

There has been a strong surge in the tide of kayakers taking to the waterways of the U.S., at sea and on lakes. This has strained the resources of the Coast Guard and search-and-rescue teams, and has led to calls for legislation that would make it mandatory for kayakers to undergo boating education courses.

The president of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators says kayaking and paddle boating pose the greatest risk in recreation boating and is taking away resources from more urgent missions like guarding ports and harbors, which are potential targets of terrorist attacks.

According to the Coast Guard, they are getting an increasing number of rescue calls in kayak-related incidents. These normally require deployment of several boats and helicopters to search for and rescue the persons involved.

No government agency tracks the annual incidence rate of kayak rescues on a national level. The reason is rescues are handled by many agencies — marine patrol units, local police, state police, and also the Coast Guard. But the American Canoe Association (ACA) reports that among outdoor activities, kayaking is growing the fastest.

Its increasing popularity is due to many factors. Kayaks are not very expensive. They are easy to haul to the beach, and not difficult to use. The ease of use is a significant reason for the rise in accident rates, according to experts. Experts say even the most experienced kayaking enthusiasts may run into trouble.

For these reasons, calls are mounting to have more boating education. There are proposals for laws requiring kayakers to undergo boating courses on the basics of kayaking safety.

The ACA reveals that 48 states have existing laws that make it mandatory for motorboat operators to take education courses but there are no similar requirements for paddlers. Maritime organizations, however, including the ACA are against proposals for mandatory courses.

Safety Tips:

* Get trained on basic safety skills. Before heading out on your kayak, be sure you know what to do in case of emergencies, e.g. how to re-enter the water and roll or how to right a capsized kayak.

* Have proper safety equipment on board. You’ll need at least a life jacket, protective clothing, a paddle float (personal flotation device) to help you get back on your kayak, communication equipment, and others.

* Have a cellphone or VHF radio in a secure dry bag for emergencies.

* Inform family or people you trust where you plan to go kayaking and when you expect to be back.

* Protect yourself against hypothermia. Most fatalities in kayaking accidents are due to hypothermia. Wear a wetsuit when the water is too cold (lower than 65 degrees).