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Planning a Safe Canoe Trip

Proper trip planning before you leave will help ensure that you have a pleasant and safe experience.

• Scout the land area and stream prior to boating it.
• Check for any river warning and flood information. Check a stream level gauge if available.
• Consider the temperature of the water as well as the air temperature. Dress for the water's temperature.
• Know the location of all dams and other hazards. Be prepared to portage (carry around) these hazards.
• Match the stream classification to your boating skills.
• Camp only in permitted areas.
• Carry adequate drinking water.
• Be prepared for any unknown event. Know how to get to roads if you must "walk out."
• Display courtesy and respect to riverfront landowners and other stream users.
• Properly secure your vehicles at both the put-in and the take-out.

Trip Size

• Consider group size and paddling skills in choosing your waterway
• The recommended minimum is three boats
• No one should paddle alone.

Trip Organization

Each person has specific responsibilities in the overall group organization. The safety of the group is dependent on everyone carrying out these responsibilities starting with the lead boat.

• The lead boat carries an experienced river runner and:
• The lead boat sets the pace
• The lead boat selects the route to follow.
• The lead boat scouts the route where a clear section isn't visible.
• The lead boat carries first aid and rescue equipment.

The sweep boat is the last boat and must carry an experienced river runner and rescuer. The sweep boat will only pass other boats in the event of an emergency.

• The sweep boat carries first aid and rescue equipment.
• The sweep boat assists with keeping the group together.

The remaining boats have a responsibility to stay in between the lead and sweep boats. If a boat inadvertently passes the lead boat, they should immediately stop and wait for the group to catch up and:

• Maintains space to avoid collisions, but still stays compact as a group.
• Always keeps the next boat upstream and downstream in sight; stops if the downstream boat isn't visible.
• Communicates messages.
• Allows descending boats the right-of-way.

Recommended Equipment

Extra paddle in case of emergency. It should be secured for easy removal.

Line on the bow and stern of the boat. It should be carried so that it will not tangle around you if you capsize.

Sixty feet of throw line for emergency use (should be carried in at least one boat for every three boats on the water). Know how to use it effectively.

First-aid kit including matches, maps of the area and money for an emergency phone call.

Waterproof packs for personal items.

Extra flotation for the boat. This makes self-rescue easier in the case of a mishap.

Tie downs for all equipment in your boat.

Bailers.

Personal Flotation Devices and all additional required equipment including boat registration paper.

Food and drinking water.

Rain gear and a change of clothing.

Cell phone for emergencies (carried in waterproof container).

* Source, Division of Watercraft, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources