Don’t let the warm air and new flowers fool you. The lakes and rivers of the region are still dangerously cold this time of year and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) wants you to be safe on the water. The nonprofit features paddling safety and survival brochures on its website that provide clear information about how to set yourself up for safe and fun paddling adventures. Wear It! Life Jackets Matter and Cold Water Survival are free to the public at www.northernforestcanoetrail.org under Paddler Safety Brochures.
Wear It! Life Jackets Matter stresses the importance of wearing a personal flotation device (PFD), and provides information on how to choose the right type and tips on finding the perfect fit. Nearly 70% of all drowning deaths involving canoes, kayaks or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a life jacket according to the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary & Boating Safety.
Cold Water Survival gives suggestions on how to prepare for paddling in water temperatures ranging from 32.5 degrees and higher, how to assess and treat symptoms of hypothermia, and describes the significant risks associated with cold water immersion and how to set yourself up to manage these risks.
The brochures were created in partnership with Kokatat, the American Canoe Association, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
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