State emphasizes safety on the water

Next week is “Paddle Safe Week,” as proclaimed by Gov. Jay Inslee July 22 – 28, with support from Washington State Parks.

“Paddle Safe Week is a great opportunity to help reduce paddle sports-related fatalities by sharing resources and educating the community on how to recreate safely,” Boating Program Manager Rob Sendak said in a news release.

The best way to stay safe while paddling is to wear a life jacket, according to WSP, and having at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, is required by state law.

“Paddlers should know that kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are subject to boating laws and regulations,” Sendak said.

Paddlers under the age of 12 must wear the jacket at all times.

The Boating Program encourages all paddlers to wear life jackets, even strong swimmers, due to the unpredictability of conditions.

More than half of statewide recreational boating fatalities are paddlers, according to WSP.

“Data shows that low life jacket wear rates and a lack of safety education have contributed to this shift,” the WSP news release states.

In addition to life jackets, all paddlecraft are legally required to carry a sounding device such as a horn, whistle or bell, a white navigation light during low visibility such as fog, heavy rain, dawn or dusk, and for federal waterways, a nighttime visual distress signal such as flares.

Other WSP safety tips for paddlers include:

■ Always use a SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) leash

■ Check and understand the weather

■ Protect against cold water shock

■ File a float plan

■ Paddle with a group

■ Get educated

■ Carry essential gear

■ Avoid alcohol and drugs

■ Learn how to self-rescue

■ Label your paddlecraft

■ Be visible to other boaters

WSP Boating Program has free safety information at http://www.parks.wa.gov/about/rules-and-safety/boater-education-safety.