Stand-up Paddleboarding and other water sports have inherent risks just as any other sport or outdoor activity. Please be aware of hazards that exist and exercise caution and prudent judgement to ensure the safety or yourself and others. An non-conclusive overview of safety considerations is outlined below.
1. Always have and wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD)!
While it may be tempting to take off your PFD in calm waters on a pleasant sunny day, consider the following:
- How cold is the water?
- Is it breezy or blustery?
- Is there a current?
- How immediately close is the nearest assistance?
- Are there children or dogs present that may complicate a self-rescue effort?
If one or more of these factors are unfavorable, it's probably not a good idea stack the odds any further against yourself. Children or anyone who is not a strong swimmer with experience in the open water should always wear a properly fitted and secured PFD while on the water.
Colorado state law requires that any vessels must have a properly fitted PFD for each person aboard that vessel, and that anyone under the age of 13 must wear a properly fitted and secured PFD at all times on the water.
2. Be mindful of the weather forecast--particularly the wind. Wind can make water choppy and create waves, particular on expanses of open water with significant wind exposure. Large waves can tip vessels; orient perpendicular to the waves.
Getting caught downwind of your launch point in a steady 15 mph headwind can be exhausting or impossible to get back to your start point. Summertime thunderstorms are frequently preceded by sudden, gusty winds that can quickly cause dangerous conditions on open water.
Lighting dangers are self-evident. Links to national weather service point forecasts are included on the interactive map.
3. Be cautious of submerged tree limbs, debris or structural material. If you are in areas that may have hidden submerged items, go slowly. Avoid when wind or current are present.
4. Always bring plenty of water! And food. A water bottle that isn't quite full usually has enough air inside to float if it falls off your vessel.
5. Watch out for larger boats, especially if they are travelling at speed. Don't assume the the driver sees you. Large wakes can tip small vessels--orient perpendicular to the wake.
6. Be mindful of currents in the water, particular near lake inlets, outlets or human-made structures.
In addition, weather, water temperature, surface disturbance or comfort level may warrant consideration of a wetsuit. Springtime in particular typically sees water temperatures that are still cold (40s and low 50s) with air temperatures that are only mild. Consider a wetsuit if the sum of the air temperature and water temperature (F) are less than 120 degrees. Also consider the potential for wind, choppy water, and how far you may be from shore or assistence in case of an inadvertent dip.
This is not a comprehensive list of hazards or safety considerations. Use common sense and good judgement!
Nobody ever sets out with the intent of having a water accident--yet they still occur with alarming frequency. Cold water can be paralyzing. A smack in the face from water or equipment can be momentarily disorienting. Gravity acts immediately. Once something sinks below the water surface, it's gone.
If you are wearing a properly fitted and secured PFD, you will float. If you aren't, you may not.
Safety precautions and good judgement help us to overcome the unexpected.
Before heading out, take a couple minutes to review the following pages of water safety resources.
Colorado Park and Wildlife Information on life vests (PFDs): https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/BoatingSafetyLifeVests.aspx
Colorado Park and Wildlife Information on cold-weather boating: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/Cold-Weather-Boating.aspx
US Coast Guard summary of state laws on life vests (PFDs): https://www.uscgboating.org/regulations/state-boating-laws-details.php?id=25&title=%5B4.9%5DLife%20Jackets
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