News Flash

News Releases

Posted on: July 14, 2020

Get on board with safety during Paddle Safe Week, July 19 - 25

Olympia – July 14, 2020 – The Washington State Parks Boating Program wants paddlers to have fun on the water — while being safe. The Paddle Safe Week campaign, July 19–25, focuses on safe paddling practices and safety on Washington’s marine and fresh waterways throughout the year.

According to the Outdoor Foundation’s 2019 Special Report on Paddlesports and Safety, paddlesports continue to grow in popularity — especially kayaking and stand-up paddling. Yet only 23% of kayakers and 31% of stand-up paddlers have considered taking formal training to further their skills.

“These statistics are troubling,” said Rob Sendak, Boating Program manager. “Paddlesports are fun activities, but they also involve risk.”

“We strongly recommend people educate themselves,” Sendak added. “Educated paddlers make life-saving choices to increase their safety and reduce risk – such as always wearing a life jacket and filing a float plan.”

For the third year in a row, Gov. Jay Inslee has issued a proclamation declaring next week Paddle Safe Week.

Why is paddlesport safety so important? 

  • According to national and state recreational boating accident data, paddlecraft are at a higher risk of capsizing and swamping.
  • Since 2012, close to half of all boating fatalities in Washington state involved paddlecraft.
  • Nationally, where cause of death was known, 79% of paddle-related fatalities from 2015 to 2017 involved drownings. Of those drowning victims, 74% were not wearing a life jacket.

The Boating Program recommends the following safety tips. More details are available at www.paddlesafewa.org 

Get educated
All paddlers are responsible for knowing laws and keeping themselves and others safe. At a minimum, people should take a course to increase their knowledge of paddlesport safety, emergency procedures and navigational rules.

Always wear a life jacket
State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person onboard. All children, age 12 and younger are always required to wear a life jacket.

File a float plan
Paddlers are encouraged to study their route in advance. Before going out on the water, even for a brief time, people should always tell someone their plan.

Carry essential gear
Paddlers should carry essentials for safety, emergency communications and comfort. State law requires carrying a sound-producing device, such as a whistle – even on a stand-up paddleboard.  

Avoid alcohol and drugs
Operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, is not only unsafe, it’s illegal. Washington state’s Boating Under the Influence (BUI) law applies to all boats including kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, rowboats and inflatable fishing rafts.

Check and understand the weather
Paddlers should check the weather frequently before and during their trip, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts. Check warnings, weather conditions, wind and wave forecasts, tides or river flows.

Protect against cold-water shock
Falling into water under 60 degrees is dangerous, and many of Washington’s waters — including lakes and rivers — remain below 60 degrees all year, even during hot weather. The biggest risk is cold-water shock — not hypothermia — which occurs in the first stage of immersion.

Be visible to other boaters
People should paddle to be seen by wearing bright neon colors and colors that contrast, putting highly reflective tape on paddles, using a flagpole and carrying a bright light.

Follow social media 
Paddlers can learn more about and participate in the Paddle Safe Week campaign through social media by using some of the following hashtags: #PaddleSafeWeek, #PaddleSmart, #PaddleSafe, #PaddleSober, #PaddlePrepared, #PaddleToBeSeen

About the Washington State Boating Program
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission administers the state’s Boating Program, which provides leadership in boating safety and environmental education and outreach. The goal of the program is to reduce accidents and fatalities, increase stewardship of Washington waterways, and keep recreational boating a safe, accessible and enjoyable pastime. For more information on the Boating Program, visit www.parks.wa.gov/boating.

News media contacts:
Christina Fremont, Boating Program, (360) 902-8837
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604

_________________________________________________________________________________

About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

 News release number: 20-034

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Releases

State Parks Commission to meet in Lacey

Posted on: January 18, 2023

State Parks is hiring 305 park aides

Posted on: January 17, 2023

State Parks Commission to meet in Chelan

Posted on: November 8, 2022

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 13, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Pullman

Posted on: September 13, 2022

State Parks expands Beacon Rock

Posted on: June 15, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Kalama

Posted on: November 30, 2021

State parks launches new online store

Posted on: November 29, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this season

Posted on: October 5, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet in Richland

Posted on: September 3, 2021

Next Discover Pass free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 12, 2021

State Parks launches gift cards

Posted on: June 2, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this fall

Posted on: March 18, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: January 20, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: November 10, 2020

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Oct. 10

Posted on: September 28, 2020

State Parks announces free days for 2021

Posted on: September 22, 2020

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: September 10, 2020

State Parks prohibits campfires statewide

Posted on: September 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 18, 2020

State parks seek volunteers for 2020

Posted on: December 11, 2019

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 21, 2019

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2019

Sept. 28 is next State Parks free day

Posted on: September 9, 2019

Riverside State Park adds cabins

Posted on: August 20, 2019

State Parks announces free day March 19

Posted on: February 25, 2019

Help improve safety on Willapa Hills Trail

Posted on: November 21, 2018

2019 State Parks Calendar on sale now

Posted on: November 15, 2018

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 30, 2018

State Parks announces 2019 free days

Posted on: October 17, 2018

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 8, 2018

History comes alive at Sacajawea State Park

Posted on: September 12, 2018

Celebrate autumn at Lake Sylvia State Park

Posted on: September 4, 2018