Ending the Season Safely on the Lakes and Rivers
The coronavirus pandemic has put a number of events and activities on hold, including long-planned summer vacations. But for many people eager to get out of the house and enjoy the weather as summer comes to an end, they may be considering buying a kayak, canoe or renting a boat to escape to isolation.
Paddle sports, such as canoeing and kayaking are a wonderful escape, but the difference between having a good time and an accident or drowning can be a very narrow margin. People are wanting to go outside to isolate, and for many the spontaneous decision to buy a boat or paddlecraft and putting it out on the river and lake can prove to be dangerous without the knowledge of how to do so safely. If as an adult you have never been on a bicycle, you can’t get on it and know how to ride it. But many people think they can buy a canoe or kayak and know what to do. The fact is that the pandemic has drawn new and inexperienced boaters to our waterways, so make sure you have the knowledge of boating and paddling safety before hitting the water:
Dress for water temperature, not air temperature — especially on the river. With the onset of cooler water temperatures, hypothermia can set in quickly.
Check the weather — before you head out onto the water. Oklahoma weather can change quickly, and one of the biggest things people don’t account for is the weather. Heavy winds can shift the current and take you off course. Whether it’s the waves or the wind, it can take you where you don’t want to go, quickly. When you relate this to regular driving, you don’t go faster than what you think the car can handle, but when you get on the boat, you don’t think about that. You can get in a difficult situation very quickly because boats don’t have brakes. You may not have the ability to slow down as quickly as you’d need because larger boats have a lot of momentum.
Be familiar with the area — This knowledge can mean avoiding underwater obstructions and shallow areas that are more predominant this time of year as water levels drop.
Have a way to call for help in an emergency — such as a marine radio, cellphone in a waterproof case (although reception may not be reliable), a personal locator beacon, a sounding device or distress flags. Even a whistle or signal mirror is better than nothing. Invest in a marine radio to directly communicate with GRDA Police, Coast Guard and other nearby boaters.
Never go out on the water alone — Make sure you are with a friend, ideally someone who has experience.
Wear a life jacket — Most people who die from accidents don’t wear a personal flotation device. Life jackets need to be properly sized and fitted, and fit tightly around your waist and underarms. One way to test if your life jacket is properly fitted is to have another person pull on the shoulder straps to see if it comes over your shoulders. If it comes above your head, it doesn’t fit and needs to be tightened. It is supposed to float you in the water, and if necessary, in a rescue, someone can use it to pull you up from out of the water.
Know your skill limitations — Paddling is a skill sport that requires knowledge, including how to avoid obstacles. It’s like driving a car and controlling the steering wheel. If you don’t know how to control the boat, how can you avoid the obstacle?
Stay off the river if it’s flooded — As we enter the second rainy season in Oklahoma, we will see higher water levels in our rivers. After heavy rain, the current will be much faster, making it more difficult for beginners to control the canoe or kayak and avoid dangerous obstructions. Check with your float operator’s or call GRDA Police to check on river conditions before you venture out.
Recognize hazards — For instance, “strainers” — trees or tree branches that are across the river — can trap a paddler and the boat. Stay clear of these hazards.
Avoid alcohol, and be mindful of medication — They can impair judgement and reaction time.
Follow capacity limits — Most smaller boats have a capacity plate stating the maximum weight or number of passengers. When loading the boat, do your best to balance and distribute the weight on both sides to avoid tipping over.
As we put summer to rest and enter into fall, we are fortunate to live in an area that offers so much beauty and opportunities for water recreation. But these experiences can have dangerous consequences without the proper planning, equipment and knowledge of how to do it safely, so invest the time to do so the right way to protect you and your loved ones.
