Within the framework of the Safe Summer program developed by the Ministry of Security, navigate respecting prevention measures to take care of your life and that of others south wales.
- Before starting a navigation, verify the buoyancy, watertightness and navigability conditions of the vessel.
- The person in charge of a kayak or rowing boat must have adequate technique for using rowing propulsion, not navigate without knowing how to swim. Avoid browsing alone.
- Mandatory use of the life jacket and/or flotation aid device by the crew of boats propelled exclusively by rowing and one (1) attached whistle, including kayaks and canoes, established in Ordinance 3/17 SAFETY MEASURES FOR ROWING BOATS.
- Do not navigate on the deck of the boat, always do so within the cockpit.
- A protective helmet, thermal protective clothing and a first aid kit may be used optionally.
- It is advisable to use brightly colored clothing or life jackets to facilitate search and rescue if necessary.
- If possible, carry a spare paddle of the appropriate type for the kayak or rowing boat used.
- Carry one (1) strong rope buoy, with a minimum length equal to the length of the kayak/rowboat, secured to the bow, one (1) perimeter rope (life), one (1) flashlight or light lantern. white all-round if sailing at night and one (1) bucket or bailer.
- Verify that the hull of the boat does not have water leaks.
- Kayaks must have a skirt or cockpit cover to prevent water from entering the interior of the boat.
- Carry a cell phone in a waterproof bag, close at hand.
- Row at a distance away from motor boats and within two hundred (200) meters of the coast.
- Respect the maneuvers of passenger/tourist transport vessels when approaching docks; Always wait for them to dock or set sail and never try to cross their bow, since from their visual angle the skippers cannot observe a kayak/rowboat at close range.
- At crossings, always yield to motor boats and establish visual contact with the helmsmen to verify that they are paying attention to what is happening while sailing.
- In case of capsize, never abandon the kayak since it has reserve buoyancy.
- Minors under eighteen (18) years of age must navigate accompanied by older people.
- Users of open or sit-on-top kayaks should not overload the boats with more passengers than those recommended by their manufacturers.
- Always act with extreme caution, kayaks and rowboats are the most vulnerable.
- Don’t take unnecessary risks, know your own limits.