| Never ever under estimate the power of water! | | | | is no such thing as feeling that this advice is out of |
| If you plan on buying a kayak or canoe this summer | | | | date or perhaps stupid or somehow beneath you. It |
| either for recreational leisure or perhaps a spot of | | | | is this very attitude of it won't happen to me that |
| fishing, always put safety first without fail! | | | | catches most inexperienced individuals out on the |
| At the very least always make sure if at all possible | | | | water. |
| that there are two of you if venturing out on either | | | | Other things you want to remember include scouting |
| a river or lake. Always make sure that you wear a | | | | out the area preferably on foot first or from a high |
| proper life jacket and that you know fully how to | | | | advantage point using a pair of binoculars if needs me |
| use it. Always make sure that the life jacket you are | | | | so that in advance you can be more alert and aware |
| using also has a very high pitched and piercing whistle | | | | of where any dangers exist whilst on the water. |
| attached to it, so that if you do get into trouble, | | | | Rivers which at one time were very placid can turn |
| your call for help will be heard. Another thing to | | | | to rapids extremely quickly and if you get caught out |
| consider is taking with you a fully waterproof holdall | | | | by them, this can be a particularly un-nerving |
| where you can keep a dry change of clothes to | | | | experience not to say dangerous for those who are |
| keep you warm if the worst does happen. Also | | | | not used to such conditions. Temperature can also |
| make sure that you always tell someone what time | | | | change very quickly on the water. Carry fresh water |
| you intend to leave the shore and what time you | | | | with you and make sure too that you have enough |
| intend to arrive back again at any particular location, | | | | food for the time that you expect to be out. |
| so that if the worst does happen, someone can raise | | | | If going out on tidal rivers or the open sea, |
| the alarm. | | | | remember that sea conditions can change extremely |
| As with any waterbased activities, commonsense | | | | rapidly and too, there might be rip currents that you |
| must prevail at all times. It is sadly all too often when | | | | have no knowledge of. Good preparation in advance |
| commonsense flies out of the window that you | | | | is key. Make sure that the craft you are using is |
| increase exponentially the chances of having an | | | | suited to the water conditions you intend to use it |
| accident whilst out on the water. Make sure you | | | | upon. Do not overload your craft and also keep the |
| carry a mobile phone, keep the batteries and spares | | | | weight evenly distributed. If you do run into |
| too fully charged up, the same goes for emergency | | | | difficulties, do not panic, this is often just about the |
| contact devices such as a cb radio or walkie talkie. | | | | worst thing you can do. Try to stay as calm as |
| Even though one or two of these devices may seem | | | | possible to make the most rational and clear thinking |
| a little old fashioned these days, they will all increase | | | | decisions that you can, this could mean the |
| the chances of your messages being picked up by | | | | difference between life and death. Again, I'm going to |
| someone, somewhere if something does go wrong. | | | | reiterate and emphasize the point made at the |
| Another great safety device is the humble mirror, | | | | beginning of this article, never, ever ever under |
| which you can use to signal your position if an | | | | estimate the power of water. Have respect for it at |
| accident does befall you, making you a lot easier to | | | | all times, be well prepared and there really is no |
| spot. All of these things only cost a few dollars but | | | | reason why you shouldn't have lots of enjoyment |
| really could end up saving your life. Remember, there | | | | upon it. |