this summer
Paddle UK and the Royal National Lifeboat Institute ( RNLI ) have launched PaddleSafe – a summer safety campaign for all paddlers .
Always wear a buoyancy aid
Carry a mobile phone
Check the weather
Together with the RNLI , the charity that saves lives at sea , we want to ensure paddlers stay safe on the water , whatever craft they choose .
The PaddleSafe campaign aims to raise awareness of Whitby how to prepare Whitby for any type of paddling and stay safe on any type of water . This could be at the coast or inland .
Being safe on the water will only increase the fun you can have . These are our FIVE key messages to stay safe on the water this summer :
Always wear a buoyancy aid
No matter how strong you think you are at swimming , wear a Personal Floatation Device ( PFD ). Make sure it is fit for purpose and is done up securely . There are many things to consider when getting a PFD for you and your family , so check out our guide on buying your first PFD .
On a paddle board , you might think , “ I ’ m connected to a big inflatable . Do I need one ?“ The answer is YES ! You ’ re connected to it now , but you may need to release yourself from it for some reason . Having the right leash on in this situation is also essential , but more of that later .
Tell someone where you ’ re going
Give people FOMO , make them jealous of your plans , and see if they want to come along . The more people on the water with you , the safer ! And if they don ’ t fancy joining you then they know your plans and can check that you return safely . Making sure someone on land knows when you are going , where you are going , and when you will be back is all part of staying safe .
Carry a mobile phone
Mobile phone , VHF radio , or anything else that you can call for help on . Stick it in a waterproof pouch and put it in your pocket or in your PFD . You should carry your means of communication on you , not just on your board or in your boat . If you become separated from your craft , this is when you may need to call for assistance . Call 999 and ask for Fire & Rescue inland or the Coastguard in tidal waters .
Check the weather
When making your paddling plans , always check the weather and plan accordingly . Ensure you wear enough layers for the temperatures , have waterproofs for any rain , and extra layers just in case . If it is sunny then make sure you take your sun protection !
You can also spot any weather that is dangerous to paddle in ! We highly advise that you avoid padding in a thunderstorm . Offshore winds should be avoided too . If the weather doesn ’ t look good , think about changing your plans and paddle another day . Rain increases the currents of rivers , and winds can strengthen the tides . So , while checking the weather , cast an eye over the tides and currents of the waters you plan to paddle . Don ’ t let them catch you out .
Know your limits
Take your skill level into account when planning a paddle . If you have never been paddle boarding on moving water then think about taking some courses to help build you up to that . You should always stay within your ability and skill level .
Think about where you are going to be paddling . Do you have the experience and skills for the water you ’ re planning on paddling on ? Do you have the right kit to be paddling on that water ? A key skill to have is to identify which safety kit you need for your paddle .
Paddle UK has several courses to help you level up your skills and safety . Check them out on the next page . paddleuk . org . uk
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