Gear Up correctly:

1)  Wear clothes that will dry quickly.  Jeans and sweats will hold water and be very heavy and hard to move in if you get wet. 

2)  Wear shoes that fasten securely and have good solid bottoms.  Many of the river and lake shores are slippery, muddy, have stumps or rocks, and may have glass or shells that will cut your feet.  Protect your feet.  Old sneakers make good water shoes.  Sandals and flip flops do not offer enough protection. 

3)  Plan on getting wet up to your knees so wear shorts, capris or zip offs.  Getting in and out of the boats can be tricky.  The right shoes and pants make all the difference in a safe entry and exit from a boat. 

4)  Wear an approved and properly fastened personal flotation device (pfd or “life jacket”).  Use sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.  Carry water, a first aid kit and snacks with you in the boat. 

5)  Have a towel and complete change of dry clothes, including shoes, in your vehicle. 


Plan Your Trip Carefully:

1)  Choose a trip on a river or lake that is right for your ability. 

2)  Find out about local hazards like shoals, rapids, water releases, and other boat traffic. 

3)  File a float plan; let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. 

4)  Check the weather. 


Always do the hardest part of the trip first.  This means go up wind, up river, up stream or against the current first.  This helps prevent being too tired to get back safely.