Lake Powell Kayaking Safety Tips
Kayaking relaxes your mind and body, what vacations are meant to do. It feels adventurous, yet is interesting and affordable. All you need is kayak, which you can rent, and some basic safety equipment.
As with all outdoor activities, SAFETY is top priority. Here are some tips for your safe enjoyment of Lake Powell:
- Check with a marina, boat rental, or a visitor center for a current marine weather forecast. Thunderstorms producing high winds can come up suddenly on Lake Powell. In the off season, the water is cold and often very choppy. Even in the summertime, remaining in the water for too long can produce hypothermia.
- If you get thrown from the boat, do the best you can to get back in, or get yourself to shore. Practice your self-rescue techniques before you go to Lake Powell.
- Obtain a map of Lake Powell or the specific area you are going. Maps are available at marinas and visitor centers.
- Let someone know where you are planning to paddle and your approximate return time.
- Have safety equipment with you, to include: PFD (Personal Flotation Device), worn at all times in the boat; paddle; jacket; wet suit or dry suit; drinking water or a means to purify water; high energy snack bars; emergency blanket; sunscreen; wide-brimmed hat; and walking shoes for exploring.
- Be prepared! You will be sharing the lake with motorized watercraft of all sizes. Be sure to stay in close proximity to the shoreline.
While you will always be in sight of land, distances are deceiving; the space around and across the lake is greater than it seems.
When crossing an open area of the lake, paddle as a group and keep an eye out for oncoming boat traffic. Kayaks are difficult to spot in the middle of the lake – you are dwarfed by the immensity of your surroundings.
In terms of risk of drowning, the safest Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is the one you’re willing to wear!
:: Important PFD Information You Should Know ::
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must have three important characteristics that define its life-saving potential, or safety:
1. It must be available for proper use at the time of an accident.
2. It must be designed to perform well enough to keep your head out of the water.
3. It must be reliable enough to provide its design performance when needed.
PFDs are more comfortable than life jackets because they are designed for constant wear.
Because most recreational boating accidents happen so suddenly, it is important to find a PFD that you are willing to wear whenever on open decks.
Research and boating accident statistics have shown that the most frequent failure resulting in drowning is not having a PFD available when needed.
"Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."
~ Texas Sayings and Proverb
