Boating Safety

Safety is the most important concern when planning to spend time on the water. Whether you are facing a Class V day on Upper Willow Creek, or a week on Class I Beaver Creek, there are precautions that must be observed for a safe, and therefore enjoyable, experience.

Here is a list of safety equipment that may be needed on every trip

• Throw Rope
• First Aid Kit
• Radio/Cell Phone
• Emergency Warm Clothing (Hat, gloves, parka, wind pants, etc.)
• Working Flashlight
• Tarp
• Rain Gear
• Waterproof Matches
• Fish hooks and Line
• Knife
• Bear Spray
• Space Blanket
• Duct Tape
• Candle
• Needle-nose Pliers (for quill removal if you have a dog)
• Whistle for each paddler
• Helmet
• Boat flotation
• Rope for securing boats on shore

Notice that PFDs are not listed. Neither is a boat. PFDs should be as much a requirement to paddling as the boat that keeps you afloat.

You also need warm clothing, appropriate for conditions. Polypropelene is virtually always the best base layer.

For more information, visit the sites listed on the Web links page.