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Paddling Safety Task Force

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Top 10 Safety List

  1. Take an on water course for safety & paddling.
  2. Wear your properly fitted lifejacket at all times on the water.
  3. Understand cold water safety.
  4. Check high water conditions prior to launching.
  5. Check weather conditions and plan accordingly.
  6. Bring water and snacks for long days on the water.
  7. Have a first aid kit and cell phone in a dry bag.
  8. Leave your itinerary with someone and estimated time off the water.
  9. Have a safety check list.
  10. Know your limits.

Top Safety Links:

American Canoe Association

American Whitewater Association  

USGS for Illinois water levels.

Weather updates across Illinois.

Safety Task Force Partners:

National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance http://www.nps.gov/orgs/rtca/index.htm
National Park Service, National Water Trail System http://www.nps.gov/WaterTrails/Home/About

 

Reminder: Spring is Coming

56 river flood stageBy Don Mueggenborg

JUST A PICTURE

Just a picture of a river.

A river in flood stage.   Even a river with a wide flood plane can be dangerous when it is in flood stage. Fast current. Cool water in the spring. Branches that were well above the paddlers’ head at normal water levels now become flow-throughs.

Rivers such as the upper Des Plaines, with its many twists and bends and low branches, can be especially dangerous.

We want to get out and paddle – but we want you around for the next newsletter. Please use caution.