1. Plan Ahead and Tell a Friend
To prepare for a fun and safe canoe trip, you need to start at home. Map your route so you know where the river rapids are. Create a float plan that shows where you intend to go and how long you expect it will take you. Then show the plan to friends or family, so that someone not on the trip will know to come looking for you if you don't come home. If you decide to change your canoe trip route, be sure to tell the person in case they need to come searching for you. If the weather turns bad on the day of your trip, consider rescheduling rather than battle with the elements.
2. The Right Equipment for Canoe Safety
A life jacket is the most obvious equipment for proper canoe safety. Make sure your life jacket fits snugly. You should also dress appropriately. Wear layers of clothes that will dry quickly, such as spandex or other synthetic fabrics. Bring a change of clothes, as a backup. Make sure to have snug fitting shoes on (no flip-flops, please) in case you have to walk on rocky shores. Bring a fleece jacket or pullover, in case of cold weather, even if you plan a short trip. Bring a well-stocked first aid kit as well as an extra paddle. Pack plenty of food and water. Store food in plastic bags to prevent it from getting wet.
3. Stay on Route
Bring a couple of extra maps of the river, in case one gets wet. An electronic GPS unit is another piece of canoeing equipment that can help you stay on track while on your canoe trip. Just be sure that it has fresh batteries and store it in a plastic bag to keep it dry.
4. Canoe Safety on the Water
Have someone hold the canoe steady when you get in to avoid falling. Avoid standing or walking in the canoe once you are out on open water. As you go down the river, avoid low hanging tree branches, which can snag canoes and trap you. If your canoe tips over, do not panic. Stay with the canoe and push or paddle it to shore. Then you can empty it and head back out.
5. Prepare for the Worst
In the event you find yourself stranded during a canoe trip, there are some things you can do to help search and rescue teams find you. Carry a cell phone (stored in a plastic bag). It may not work in the woods, but then again it might. Also, carry a signaling mirror to catch the attention of aircrafts overhead. Another piece of safety equipment that works only during the daytime is a distress flag.
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