Recommendations for the sailor with kayaks and rowboats

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.

Leave a Reply