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CORA Safety Tips

  1. Safety is everyone's responsibility, all the time. It's not just the Captain's job. CORA Safety Manual

  2. If in doubt, don't go out. CORA Safety Manual

  3. File a float plan. Let someone know where you are going and when you'll be back.

  4. Check the boat EVERY time it goes out. Bailers? Lashings tight and in good condition? Bulkheads and Ama watertight and fitted with proper plugs?

  5. Check local weather conditions--wind speed and direction, air/water temperature, tides, currents, fog? What is the forecast?

  6. Your PFD needs to fit properly and be approved by Transport Canada--check the label--IT WORKS WHEN YOU WEAR IT. More and more venues are requiring APPROVED PFD's.

  7. Most approved PFD's have a pealess whistle attached. Have one. Tuck a wool or fleece cap in your PFD's pocket.

  8. Ask if everyone in the boat can swim--the rest of the team needs to know and have a plan--non swimmers wear PFD's all the time. CORA Safety Manual

  9. Hypothermia can occur from rain, wind, splashing water, not just hulis. Be prepared. Take a small dry bag with a jacket and hat, even in the summer.

  10. Glare off the water can damage eyes as well as skin--Wear shades, have a light long sleeved shirt with you in the summer--use a ball cap.

  11. Review your huli drill regularly--who does what? Buddy count?

  12. Inform your coach, steersperson/captain of any health issues or medications that may affect your attention or performance.

  13. Cold water saps your body's core heat much faster than air. If you can't get out of the water, use the Heat Escape Lessening Position: With PFD on, cross arms tightly, draw knees up close to chest, remain calm and still. If more than one person , all huddle and hold on to each other. CORA Safety Manual

  14. If you see a dark line on the horizon--it's wind and/or tide--be aware of it, head back if necessary--the darker the line, the stronger the wind.

  15. According to Kanu Culture magazine, the Number One cause of hulis is lack of communication--Seat 5 and 6 work together, especially when wind on the Ama side or quarter, and Caller, call when the boat is 'Safe', not just on an agreed number of strokes.

  16. Recreational boats, including canoes and kayaks, account for more than 50% of Search and Rescue Incidents--more than 3,500 incidents annually. Prevention is better than Cure.

  17. Not having an APPROVED PFD that is an appropriate fit and in good condition, in most Provinces, could cost you $200 for each violation.

  18. Stupid Risk and Smart Risk. Recognize the difference. Stupid Risk is not taking/wearing PFD's; not looking over your shoulder before you turn, paddling under the influence or hung over, not learning how to read a chart or recognize Aids to Navigation--for a few. CORA Safety Manual

  19. Lateral Buoys depend on the 'Upstream Direction" system: Upstream is 'from seaward toward the headwaters of a river, into a harbour, or with the flood tide (in that order)--in general it is a northerly direction along the Pacific Coast. Remember RED RIGHT RETURNING: Keep the Red buoys or daymarks on the Right side when Returning to harbour (upstream Direction). Cardinal Buoys depend on reference to the cardinal points of the compass.

  20. Putting a PFD on while you're in the water is almost impossible. Put your PFD on before entering the water or have a buddy help you if you are already in the water.

  21. Two big waves can swamp a canoe! If you are paddling in big or unpredictable waters, make sure you are using a spaydeck, and make sure it is in good shape.

  22. An experienced crew's playground is a huli waiting to happen for inexperienced paddlers. In the 2005 Island Iron, the race organizers let the first six crews go, then redirected the rest of the pack to a safer, shorter course. Everyone had a great day racing!

  23. CORA's Comprehensive Safety Manual located on the Resource page, is available for use by all CORA Clubs CORA Safety Manual