A Course for Safe Boating

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84 California Boating A Course for Safe Boating
Chapter 3 u Vessel Operation
General Safety Guidelines for Whitewater Paddling
If you are a beginner, always go with a guide or experienced leader who is
familiar with the river.
Before You Put In
ƒ ƒ Check weather and river conditions. Consult the radio, newspaper, Internet
or local authorities.
ƒ ƒ Check that you boat with one or more partners to make your trip safer. For
a whitewater run, you should have at least three boats in a party to be safe.
ƒ ƒ Check the boat or raft to make sure it is made well with strong materials.
ƒ ƒ Check the river course. Be familiar with the river’s features before starting
out, or hire a river guide who knows the run, its classification and its
special hazards.
ƒ ƒ Check to make sure everyone is wearing a properly fitted, Coast Guard-
approved life jacket. Attach a whistle to each one.
ƒ ƒ Check to make sure you know how to “Eskimo roll,” or escape for self-
rescue, if you’re using a kayak or closed-deck canoe.
ƒ ƒ Check to make sure you have a realistic view of your boating skills. Good
river skills take time and practice to learn. Overconfidence or overestimat-
ing your ability can quickly get you into trouble.
ƒ ƒ Check your float plan. Be sure it lists the correct put-in and take-out
locations. Give your float plan to a friend or relative, and let him or her
know when you have returned.
At The Put-In
ƒ ƒ Check the equipment. Secure all ropes and other gear so they do not get in
the way of paddling. Securing ropes and gear is also important so that they
will not get tangled in brush or trees, or entangle a swimmer if the boat
overturns.
ƒ ƒ Check to see if you have—and know how to use—safety gear such as
throw bags.
ƒ ƒ Check to see if you have a first aid kit, extra clothing, drinking water and
high-energy snacks.
ƒ ƒ Check to make sure everyone on the water knows basic verbal and hand
signals. These commands include paddle commands, signals for hazards,
emergencies, course direction and for general communication.
(See page 109.)
REMEMBER
 Never boat alone. Make sure at least
one experienced person is along.
 Drink plenty of water, not alcohol or
other diuretics like caffeinated sodas
or coffee that can make you urinate.
 Never wear baggy clothes, which
tend to get caught on things.
 Never wear cotton, which holds
water and makes you cold.
 Never tie yourself or others into
the craft.
WEBSITE
You can check for river flows for
many California rivers, visit