b'PA D D L I N G A W A R E N E S Sthe navigation rules, what equipment you should have with you onAvoid Paddling Alone: Paddle with a friend or group. You will the water and how to use it, what to do in an emergency, being ablehave someone that can help you get back in your boat or call for to right and get back in your boat if you capsize are all skills thathelp if needed.may lengthen your season, and will add to your boating enjoyment.Wear appropriate clothing: The correct clothing choices can Many of the paddling related accidents and deaths in Connecticutadd significantly to your paddling comfort, extend your boating sea-might have been eliminated had the victims received some form ofson and might save your life. Chose the most appropriate clothing education. you own. Dress in layers of clothing that will retain body heat when Do NOT paddle impaired: Do not drink alcohol or use drugswet (fleece) and outer layers that repel water. Avoid cotton, which with serious side effects before or while paddling. These substancesstays wet and does not retain heat. Wear a hat! (If you are a pad-can reduce reaction time, balance, coordination, and judgment - alldling in the cold water seasons consider investing in wet or drysuit, of which are vital to your survival in a threatening situation. you will be amazed at the difference in comfort they make.)Put contact information on your boat: Attach an IF FOUNDBring a communication device: Carry a phone in a water-sticker to your unregistered boat or write the boat owners contactproof bag and/or a waterproof marine VHF radio. In coastal/tidal information in the boat. This contact information can help rescuerswaters a VHF radio is the best way to call for help. By using its locate you faster should an emergency situation occur and the boatmodern VHF radio technology, the US Coast Guard can accurately is found unattended. (See page 43, for more information about Ifpinpoint the location of a VHF radio transmission and send rescuers Found stickers.) to that location faster than using traditional searching techniques. Know your ability: Be honest with yourself when planning a(Use VHF channel 16 to call the USCG. It is the international distress, trip. Rough water, white water, or rapids can be difficult for experi- safety and hailing channel.) enced paddlers and are no place for beginners. Check the weatherKnow the local regulations and navigation rules: Water-forecast, tides and water flows before heading out to a locationways are filled with all types of vessels engaged in many different and for the period of time you plan to be on the water. Changes inactivities. Knowing and understanding the basic rules of the road weather, tides and water flows can easily turn a calm waterbodywill help make everyones day on the water much safer and enjoy-that is within your paddling abilities into a deadly environment.Ourable. Please DO NOT paddle in the middle of main channels, high website contains links to a number of good Connecticut weathertraffic areas or interfere with the passage of other boat traffic. forecasts and resources https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/ Keep a lookout: Small paddlecraft can be difficult to see. WeatherTidesStreamflowsAlways keep an eye out for other boats that are coming close to Plan ahead: Know the waters that you are paddling and planyou. If possible, wear brightly colored clothes or use other means your day accordingly. Tell someone where you are going, what boatto make you and your boat more visible on the water. Beware, that you are taking and when you plan on returning; this is called filing alarge boats DO NOT stop very quickly. Do your best to avoid putting float plan. The information in a float plan will help first respond- yourself in a dangerous situation and remember that larger boats ers rescue you faster should an accident occur. may not be able to avoid a collision.642021 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'