Troop 947 Safety Afloat and Canoeing Tips “A canoe is more stable than you think, but not more than you can sink.” - Duncan Lamar, yesterday

Safety Afloat Basics 9 Points See Safety Afloat presentation 9 Points See Safety Afloat presentation

Types of PFDs Type I - Offshore Lifejacket Type I - Offshore Lifejacket This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. Type II - Near Shore Buoyant Vest Type II - Near Shore Buoyant Vest This "classic" PFD for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. This "classic" PFD for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. Type III - Flotation Aid Type III - Flotation Aid These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. Type IV - Throwable Device Type IV - Throwable Device These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. Type V - Special Use Device Type V - Special Use Device Hybrid vest Hybrid vest

Sizing a PFD PFDs will be provided by Morgan’s PFDs will be provided by Morgan’s Make sure you look at the label to see if the weight range is appropriate for you. Make sure you look at the label to see if the weight range is appropriate for you. Next, try it on, and make sure it is not so loose that it rides up or so tight that it restricts your movement. Next, try it on, and make sure it is not so loose that it rides up or so tight that it restricts your movement. The PFD should be comfortable, even if it is a little annoying. The PFD should be comfortable, even if it is a little annoying.

Paddle

Sizing Your Paddle Two methods Two methods 1. Sit in a chair like the graphic at right with the t-handle on the seat, you should be looking at the throat of the paddle 2. Stand and place the blade on the ground. For lake canoeing, the t- handle should reach your nose. For river canoeing, a slightly shorter paddle is preferred (to your chin).

Anatomy of a Canoe

Strokes For all canoists For all canoists Forward stroke Forward stroke Back stroke Back stroke Draw Draw Forward sweep Forward sweep Reverse sweep Reverse sweep Stern only Stern only J-stroke J-stroke

River Hazards – Natural

River Hazards - Man Made Other canoeist Other canoeist Submerged car parts Submerged car parts Floating debris Floating debris Dams or low water bridges Dams or low water bridges

Essential Gear to pack Rope / bungy cords Rope / bungy cords First Aid Kit -- community First Aid Kit -- community Bailing device Bailing device Food – by patrol Food – by patrol Toilet paper Toilet paper Bug screen Bug screen Sun screen Sun screen Hand sanitizer Hand sanitizer Knife Knife Dry bag (or trash bags double layered to keep stuff dry) Dry bag (or trash bags double layered to keep stuff dry) Trash bags Trash bags Water bottles, jug or Camel Back Water bottles, jug or Camel Back Ammo box or other water tight container Ammo box or other water tight container

Appropriate Clothing Swim suit Swim suit Close toed (leaky) shoes Close toed (leaky) shoes T-shirt T-shirt Light-colored long sleeve shirt (in case of sunburn) Light-colored long sleeve shirt (in case of sunburn) Hat Hat Sunglasses (cheap with Croakie or string) Sunglasses (cheap with Croakie or string) Make sure they are things you don’t care if they get lost or mucked up Make sure they are things you don’t care if they get lost or mucked up

How to Pack for a Float Trip All gear should be tied into or otherwise attached to the canoe All gear should be tied into or otherwise attached to the canoe The first aid kit should be waterproof and accessible The first aid kit should be waterproof and accessible Your water supply should be out and accessible at all times – drink lots!!! Your water supply should be out and accessible at all times – drink lots!!! All other gear should be packed in dry bags and stowed in the middle of the canoe. All other gear should be packed in dry bags and stowed in the middle of the canoe. The bailing cup or device can be free floating in the bottom of the canoe. The bailing cup or device can be free floating in the bottom of the canoe. Food should be stored in the coolers for all refrigerated items with a bungy cord to hold the lid down. All dry goods should be packed to protect against crushing and double or triple bagged (unless you really like soggy sandwiches). Food should be stored in the coolers for all refrigerated items with a bungy cord to hold the lid down. All dry goods should be packed to protect against crushing and double or triple bagged (unless you really like soggy sandwiches).

Canoeing Etiquette Only remove your PFD when onshore. Only remove your PFD when onshore. The person in the stern steers / The person in the bow is the motor The person in the stern steers / The person in the bow is the motor Communicate (bow identifies obstacles, stern asks for help and gives direction) Communicate (bow identifies obstacles, stern asks for help and gives direction) Leave no trace Leave no trace Everyone is out to have fun Everyone is out to have fun A paddle is not a sword, nor a quarter-staff A paddle is not a sword, nor a quarter-staff Don’t dig the blade into the ground or river bed Don’t dig the blade into the ground or river bed Don’t drive your canoe through gravel or rocks… get out if you have to and “portage” Don’t drive your canoe through gravel or rocks… get out if you have to and “portage” Do not pass the lead canoe or fall behind the caboose Do not pass the lead canoe or fall behind the caboose ALWAYS keep your eyes out for inexperienced canoeists who may be in trouble. ALWAYS keep your eyes out for inexperienced canoeists who may be in trouble. Never try to perform a rescue yourselves when adults are present and available. Never try to perform a rescue yourselves when adults are present and available.

Questions?

HAVE FUN!!!