Canoeing Doings by David S. Smith, Ph.D., Commander, USCG (RET) As one answer to the gasoline price crunch, a number of folks are getting more into people powered aquatic craft - namely canoeing, and more importantly kayaking. Kayaking has blossomed on T.V. as a romantic way to visit the more natural days of history. Spend a couple of minutes flipping channels and you are bound to see someone in a sea-going kayak paddling in the ocean off an Alaskan fiord, or hurtling down a steep gully in the virgin outback. Sounds and looks neat. Just you and your canoe. Right? And, that's the problem, because it is just you and your canoe! The sudden splurge in kayaking has filled a number of bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes, with just that - bodies. To date the Coast Guard says seven kayakers have drowned or died on the Great Lakes this year. A respectable number of luckier non-stiffs have been rescued. A kayak is such a simple thing, how can it get you into trouble? Easy - it is a simple thing. A very small, less than seaworthy (depending on changeable wind and wave conditions - in less than experienced hands), easily capsized, hard to see, fatiguing thing. Boating safety sometimes has a reciprocal philosopy. The smaller the craft - the more you have to understand and respect it. Kayaks by themselves are not terribly survivable, unless you totally know and have practiced what you are doing! So, lets make a list of common sense things to do in a canoe: Always, Always, Always wear your PFD!!! That little boat flips in water that was warm near shore, and PFD or not you are in potential trouble from hypothermia. Especially if no one is looking for you. Practice, Practice, Practice. The folks on T.V. blythly doing their thing have done their thing for a long time. Don't expect to be just like them 'cause you bought a boat. Find a safe, warm place to learn from someone who knows what they are doing. Hint: Try indoor community pool in winter. Tell, Tell, Tell someone dependable exactly where you are going and when you will be back, plus other details such as who is going with you, color of craft, etc. Remember, Remember, Remember your age. Canoeing and kayaking are fun, but hard work. Don't get into a position where you conk out and get others into trouble. As the poster says: Know before you go! Peaceful paddling- Dave Smith Dr. Smith's latest book, Water Rescue, is available by calling Mosby-Lifeline Publishers at (800) 426-4545. For upcoming seminar information, visit his website at: www.aquaticsafety.com. Got a question about boating safety? Post your question in one of our Boating Forums! Got a boating safety tip to share with others? Share it in one of our Boating Forums or submit an article about it and have it published right here on BOATOhio.com! Back to the top... Back to the Boating Safety Index...