Safety is everyone’s responsibility, all the time. It’s not just the Captain’s job. If in doubt, don’t go out. 

Small boats must post all outings on calendar, let a friend or family member know you are going out for a paddle, where you are going and when you expect to be back on shore. Follow-up with an after paddle phone call. 

Check the Outrigger EVERY time it goes out.

• Bailers
• Lashings tight and in good condition
• Bulkheads and Ama watertight and fitted with proper plugs.

Check the local weather conditions:

• Wind speed and direction,
• air/water temperature,
• tides, currents,
• fog.
• What is the forecast?
• What time does the sunset?

Your PFD needs to fit properly and be approved by Transport Canada – check the label. You are required to have an APPROVED PFD. – IT WORKS WHEN YOU WEAR IT! Have a pealess whistle attached to you PFD. Paddlers should wear PFD’s all the time. The rest of the team needs to know if you are a non-swimmer and have a plan in case of a huli.                Inform your coach, steersperson/captain of any health issues or medications that may affect your attention or performance.

Tips:

• Take a small dry bag with a jacket and hat, even in the summer. 
• Wear shades to avoid eye damage from the glare off the water. 
• Protect your skin in the summer wear a light long sleeved shirt and a ball cap.
• Winter months have a toque or cap for warmth.
• Don’t go farther from shore than you care to swim back if you or your equipment should fail.
• Review your huli drill regularly 
• Enclose your fully charged cell phone in two sealed sandwich bags and keep on your person. In the event of a sea disaster you can’t solve yourself, dialing *311 will put you in touch with the Canadian Coast Guard’s Rescue Coordination Centre.