Paddle Safe
Iowa DNR wants you to be safe on the water. A good first toward knowing what you need to know on the water in paddlecraft is the American Canoe Associations "
SmartStart" brochure,*.pdf (3.1MB). To order paper copies for your group, please e-mail
watertrails2@dnr.iowa.gov. Any time you go out on the water, wear your PFD!
Dam locations
Be safe, and be prepared. Accidents, sometimes deadly, occur at low-head dams every year. Check this recently updated
map of dams on major rivers in Iowa,*.pdf for the segment of river you plan to use.
See our DNR River Programs Drowning Machine brochure(*pdf) that explains why dams are deadly and tips that will help you avoid these hazards on Iowa's rivers.
Safety Tips
- Wear a life jacket! They really do save lives, and paddlers are at higher risk of drowning than powerboat users. Remember: it doesn't work if you don't wear it.
- Stay alert and be ready to move out of danger. It's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially if you encounter powerboats.
- Keep it stable! Leaning shoulders outside the edge of the boat can lead to a capsize. Keep your weight low and balanced over the centerline of the boat.
- Don't boat under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Paddling a canoe or kayak requires unimpaired judgment.
- Watch for hazards. They may include rocks, low-head dams, heavy current, lighting, and bad weather. Strainers are a type of hazards that block passage but lets water filter through.
- Plan to get wet! If you fall out while in the current, back float to shore while keeping your feet on the surface. When weather is cold, you MUST wear warm-when-wet clothing and a wet suit. Keep a change of clothes dry in a dry bag or other waterproof container. Usually, there's no need to end a trip because of swamping a boat - just dump the water out, re-enter, and you're on your way.
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