Safety
Canoeing and kayaking, like all water activities, is a sport with inherent dangers, but to a large extent can be made significantly safer by simply following some simple and basic rules and using common sense.
The most important safety rules are knowing your own limitations and sticking within those; being prepared for all eventualities in a sport that takes place in a dynamic and ever-changing environment; and wearing and using the correct equipment at all times.
Essential items of equipment include Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs – also sometimes referred to as life jackets or buoyancy aids), and buoyancy for your canoe or kayak to ensure it can float at all times should you capsize.
The minimum for all PFDs at CSA-sanctioned events is the ISO 12402-5 (Level 50) standard (or SANS equivalent, SANS 12402-5) and any potential paddlers should check for the appropriate labelling to ensure their PFD meets the proper requirements before purchasing a PDF.
The CSA Paddlers handbook can be downloaded at https://www.canoesa.org.za/paddlers-handbook/ with the Safety Regulations on page 66 and Safety Handbook on page 75
