Paddling and River Safety

Paddling the riverways can be a fun and rewarding experience if a few safety tips are followed.

NPS Photo

River Safety:

Know before you go: Check both local weather forecast and river levels. Rivers are safer for novice paddlers when at or below average levels.

File an itinerary: A good practice is to file a float plan with a friend or loved one before departing.

Be aware of fast rising streams: Area streams rise rapidly to unsafe levels following moderate to heavy rains. Be mindful of rising streams and always have a secondary escape route.

Know your limits: Know your own limits and that of your equipment. If you feel unsafe, return to shore.

Remember the ABC's of River Safety!

Always Wear your PFD (Personal Flotation Device): The old saying is "it can't save you if you don't wear it", nothing can be more true. A well fitting Type-III PFD is recommended for all paddlers. It is required by law, children age 7 and under wear a PFD while on board a vessels.

Bottoms Down: If your vessel capsizes, calmly transition to floating on your back with your bottom down and feet up facing downstream, swim to shore.

Climb that rootwad: Avoid strainers and rootwads when at all possible. If you find your vessel being swept into a rootwad do not lean away from the rootwad. Leaning away from the rootwad could lead to your vessel being flooded and you being pinned underneath the rootwad. Instead grab hold of the rootwad and climb upwards and abandoning your vessel.

Better Skill = More Fun!

Ozark National Scenic Riverways offers several beginning basic paddling skills courses throughout the summer. Please visit our Facebook page to learn more.