Safety and Tips
A REVIEW - HOW TO KAYAK SAFELY:
In order to rent kayaks from Serene Kayak Rentals, you will be required to sign a waiver that confirms that you know how to kayak, are able to swim, and that you know the basic safety rules of kayaking that are listed below.
If you are not sure you know how to paddle DON'T GO until you have taken a lesson. If you are looking for a kayaking instructor, refer to the following webpage to search for paddle schools and various courses.
If you are a complete beginner, the initial kayaking training course is called ‘Basic Kayak Sea Kayak Skills’. Remember: when renting a kayak, you are warranting that you know how to kayak and swim.
BEFORE YOU GO:
1. Read and understand all of the rules provided n Transport Canada's Sea kayaking Safety Guide
have knowledge sufficient to be safe in and on the water.
2. Know your capabilities – safety knowledge, swimming ability, and how to handle a potential capsize (more information provided below). Never attempt a trip that is too long or too challenging for your physical condition and paddling ability. Do not allow anyone to use your rental kayak that does not also know these things.
3. Tell someone where you are going, when you'll be back, and carry a mobile phone in an attached waterproof pouch that is securely stored. If you get in trouble dial 999. If you are paddling near the rental departure location you can call 613 700 0740 if it is a non-emergency. Mobile phones are also great for taking photos and knowing what time to return. Floating waterproof pouches are available for sale online if you don’t have one. They retail for approx.. $15 CAD per on amazon.ca.
4. Be aware of the daily weather conditions, such as water temperature, currents, rips, undertows, waves, or wind directions the waterway you will be kayaking on. Be prepared for the possibility of changes in the weather/water conditions. For example, on some rivers, heavy rainfall upstream from your location can cause sudden surges in river levels and quickly cause slow rivers to become raging torrents. On a lake or bay, even a slight pick up in wind can make paddling extremely difficult. Remember you have to paddle back to where you launched from. Think ahead about possible risks and what you would do should things go wrong. If you ever hear thunder or experience high wind or waves, get off the water.
Two handy sources for Ottawa weather are
5. Don’t go out hungry or thirsty. Blood sugar and hydration levels can drop with heat and exercise. Eat before you go, or take a snack and a water bottle. Wear the right apparel for the weather (ie: a hat in the heat, a wetsuit if water is cold, etc.) IMPORTANT: Alcohol and cannabis don’t mix with water – don’t use before or during swimming or paddling.
6. Ensure, along with the Kayak rental operator, that all equipment is suitable for the conditions you're going to go out in. Check that all the gear and equipment (all ropes, water bailer, and cell phone(s) are securely stored). Each rental comes with a kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (life jacket), and a boater’s safety kit that includes Buoyant heaving line at least 15 metres in length, a waterproof flashlight, a whistle and a bail bucket – all of which are legally required for boats of this length/size by Transport Canada.
7. Listen to and follow staff advice, such as location of risk spots, direction of current or wind, etc. but also be ready for the possibility of something changing. Think ahead about possible risks and what you would do should things go wrong.
8. ALWAYS supervise children. NEVER let them paddle without a PFD.
WHEN OUT ON THE WATER:
1. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that renters paddle with at least one partner for safety purposes. Stay close to the shore. If paddling as a group, assign the most experienced paddler the “lead” (front) and “sweep” (rear) positions, with less experienced paddlers in the middle.
2. It is mandatory to wear your PFD (personal flotation device) at all times.
3. Never stand up in the kayak while underway.
4. If you find yourself caught in a strong current or headwind, there are some things you can do. Kayaks like to move into a headwind., use your body weight to lean or edge slightly. The stronger the current or the wind, the more aggressive your paddle strokes will need to be. And you’ll likely need to vary your stroke pattern to keep your tracking as straight as you can.
5. To prevent going off course try ranging, point your boat in the direction you want to go, pick out an object in the distance where you’re headed and keep your eyes on that object instead of on the water around you or on your paddle.
6. To prevent capsizing, if a wave is heading in your direction while underway, turn the bow (front) of the kayak into the wave so that you don’t take the wave broadside (sideways). It can be very difficult to keep a kayak afloat when getting hit from the side by bigger waves.
7. Stay out of the way of other boat traffic, and be courteous and mindful of the stopping distance of other boats in the water. The safest way to cross the path of a powerboat is to do so astern (behind the powerboat).
8. The best way to cross a channel is at a right angle (straight across) to the waterway in order to reduce time in the crossing.
9. Only cross open water when conditions permit.
10. Use a white light to indicate my position to other boaters if paddling at night or in low light conditions.
11. Keep constant watch for other boats, hazards to navigation.
A. IF YOU TIP OVER (CAPSIZE):
1. Paddles won’t drift too far, but your kayak will, you can use a kayak to float on if it is still afloat, you can't float on a paddle. Stay with a floating kayak.
2. If you can’t get back on and you are alone, don’t panic and don’t struggle trying to get on, you’ll only get exhausted.
3. Don't remove your PFD!
4. Stay with your craft. It is much easier for rescuers to find the kayak than a person swimming in the water. Do not leave a floating kayak to try swimming to shore - unless you are close to shore and very confident you can make it easily. Land may be further away than you think. If possible, without leaving a floating kayak, head for shallow water. Hold on to the side or back of your kayak, float your legs and kick your feet in the direction of shore or shallow water. Go slowly. Rest periodically. Don’t panic.
5. Call 911 to be picked up. That’s where having your phone in a waterproof floating bag attached to you comes in very handy.
6. Use your whistle - three blasts mean “I need help”.
B. IF YOU GET BLOWN OFF COURSE :
All the tips above for a tipped kayak apply here as well.
A FINAL THOUGHT:
Remember, you are responsible for ensuring that you or anyone you permit to use the rented equipment also follows all of the safety rules.