How to Share the Water and Stay Safe

Whether you’re paddling through remote backcountry lakes or sharing busy waterways with motorboats and freighters, safety should always come first. This guide expands on the most important paddling safety tips every kayaker or paddleboarder should know — especially when exploring unfamiliar territory.

📝 Free Printable: 10 Essential Paddling Safety Tips
Want a quick reference to bring with you? We’ve created a printable safety checklist that covers all 10 tips in this guide — from what gear you need to navigation, weather, visibility, and more.
[Click here to download your paddling safety checklist]

1. Always Wear a PFD

Your personal flotation device (PFD) is your most important piece of gear. It doesn’t matter how strong of a swimmer you are — unexpected capsizes, cold water, or rough conditions can happen fast. Choose a PFD designed for paddling that allows full range of motion and has pockets for safety gear like a whistle or knife.

Make sure it’s properly fitted and buckled every time you launch. It’s also a good idea to choose a Coast Guard-approved life jacket or PFD — you can easily find this information on the inside label.

We love the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Jacket. It’s ventilated for airflow, has adjustable shoulders and side straps for a snug fit, and comes loaded with features like a durable zipper closure, SOLAS-grade reflective material, a marine whistle, a lash tab, and an expandable zippered pocket. Hitting the waves with your friends is a lot more fun when you're wearing this dynamic life jacket!

2. Know the Waterway

Before you head out, research the waterway. Are there strong currents, tides, submerged obstacles, or restricted zones? Is it a lake, river, or open coastline? Understanding your environment — including entry and exit points — can help you make smart decisions if the weather shifts or something goes wrong. Use local maps, marine charts, or apps like Paddle Planner or Navionics.

3. Stay Visible

Especially in high-traffic areas, visibility is key. Wear bright clothing, use a flag on your SUP or kayak, and consider reflective decals or LED lights for low-light paddles. If you’re crossing a channel or entering a marina, assume boaters can’t see you unless you're highly visible.

If you’re paddling near dusk or after dark, it’s imperative to have some kind of light on board — even if it’s not turned on the entire time. A waterproof flashlight or headlamp should be within reach so you can signal your location if needed. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.

4. Avoid the Main Channel

In areas with heavy motorboat or shipping traffic (like the Thousand Islands or False Creek), stay close to shore or paddle in designated routes. Avoid crossing the main channel whenever possible. If you must cross, do it quickly and at a right angle to the direction of travel, and always scan for oncoming traffic.

5. Follow Right-of-Way Rules

Learn and follow the navigation rules. Generally, human-powered craft should yield to larger vessels, especially those with limited maneuverability (like large ships or ferries). Stay alert, make your movements predictable, and avoid sudden course changes when near other boats.

6. Know What You’re Legally Required to Carry

In Canada, every paddlecraft — including kayaks and stand-up paddleboards — must carry certain safety equipment by law: a lifejacket or PFD for each person, a sound signalling device (like a whistle), a buoyant heaving line (tow rope) at least 15 metres long, a waterproof flashlight, and a bailer or manual bilge pump (not required on SUPs).

To make things easy, we offer Boaters Safety Kits that include all the required gear. Choose the Fox 40 Classic Boaters Safety Kit for kayaks and canoes, or the Fox 40 SUP Safety Kit, which features a durable zippered main compartment, waterproof inner pouch, and a hideaway water bottle holder with a stabilizing carabiner — so your essentials stay dry, secure, and within reach.

7. Pack Navigation Tools

Getting turned around is easy on the water — especially in places with lots of islands or shoreline that looks the same. Bring a map, compass, or waterproof GPS. Apps can help, but always have a backup in case your phone dies or loses signal.

Carrying your phone is always a good idea, but you want to keep it dry. Try one of our 2.5L dry bags for easy access to your lifeline. 

8. Dress for the Water Temperature, Not the Air

Even in summer, Canadian lakes and rivers can be dangerously cold. Hypothermia can set in quickly if you capsize in chilly water. Dress in layers, and use a neoprene wetsuit or dry suit when paddling in early spring, late fall, or remote cold-water locations.

9. Don’t Paddle Alone in Risky Areas

While solo paddling can be peaceful, it’s not recommended. Especially in areas with complex navigation, strong currents, wildlife, or changing weather. When tackling these locations — go with a friend or book a guided tour. Safety increases with numbers.

10. Let Someone Know Your Plan

Always let someone on land know where you’re going, your route, and your expected return time — especially if you’re paddling solo or in a remote area. This "float plan" can save your life if something goes wrong and you need to be located quickly.

Final Thought: Safety Doesn’t Kill the Vibe — It Keeps the Adventure Going

Paddling is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, but nature deserves respect. Taking the time to plan, prep, and paddle safely ensures your adventures stay positive and memorable.

If you’re looking for beginner-friendly destinations, lightweight gear, or guidance on where to go — we’re here to help. Visit Ottawa Valley Air Paddle online or in-store for expert advice and top-rated kayaks and SUPs built for Canadian waters.