Operating a vessel while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs is a federal offense. Violators are subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 or a criminal penalty not to exceed $5,000, imprisonment for one year, or both a fine and imprisonment.
Keep away from military ships (500 yards) and commercial ships, and observe all restrictions in security zones.
Maximum weight capacity by boat type (or it may sink):
Single kayaks hold up to 250 lbs (including person and all their stuff).
Double kayaks hold up to 425-500 lbs depending on the model (including people and all their stuff).
Standup Paddleboards hold up to 220 lbs (including person and all their stuff).
Avoid kayaking in wind >10 miles an hour OR in off-shore wind (wind that is going to push you away from the shore you need to return to). If you see “white caps” on the water, the wind is too fast to kayak safely!
Stay away from dams entirely (including “low-head” dams which appear small be mostly under the water).
When a powerboat passes, turn the bow of your boat into the wake/wave to help prevent a capsize.
We strongly recommend carrying a smartphone (ideally in a waterproof drybag around your neck) that has a flashlight functionality but also for rapid response in case of emergency.
All Safety Apps below are FREE in Android Google Play Store (links below) & Apple App Store (search the store):
Official US Coast Guard App: with Emergency calling button
Virtual Maze GPS Tools: Free GPS location, compass, weather and forecast, distance, area finder.
Marine Ways (Android): Free Nautical Charts: free charts (maps of water), shows known obstacles, weather, water temp.
ProChart Marine Navigation (Apple): compass, free charts (maps of water), shows known obstacles
Fishing Points: Free GPS location, tides and weather forecast, wave forecast, compass overlay, record locations (e.g. starting so you can return easier).
Lightning Alarm (Android): Free, warns/text message of impending storms or lightning strikes up to 15 minutes before they occur. (Apple Version).
Any free Flashlight app if your phone doesn’t have a flashlight functionality software already installed.
Free US Coast Guard Float Plan Template: Fill it out, send it to your “In Case of Emergency” Person in your life.
Top 10 Safety Rules Poster by American Canoe Association
American Canoe Association Best Safety Practices Brochure
More Safety Resources:
https://www.americancanoe.org/page/Ed_videos (FREE videos on kayak safety by American Canoe Association & US Coast Guard on everything from saltwater, to kayaking with kids, float plans, wind & weather, self rescue, safety in numbers).
https://americancanoe.org/education/resource-library/paddlesports-online-course/ (Free Paddlesports safety course with certificate of completion.)
https://www.boaterexam.com/paddling/canada/ (Free Paddlesports safety course with certificate of completion.)
https://www.boatus.org/free/ (Free, state-approved boating safety courses).
https://www.boat-ed.com/paddlesports/ (Official American Canoe Association Paddle Sport Safety Course, $30)