How to stay safe in a paddlecraft

An examination of marine-related fatality data from July 1, 2000, to June 30, 2016 in Victoria has found that of 107 recreational boater deaths, some 19 people or 17.8 per cent were paddlers. This is cause for concern, especially as the sorry statistics point to an increase in paddler fatalities, and most paddling trips occurred within 400 metres of land in familiar locations.

David Hourigan, Director of Transport Safety Victoria (TSV), said he was concerned by these findings, as kayaks, canoes, sit on top kayaks, stand up paddleboards and surf skis are increasing in popularity.

"I welcome the Coroners Court report...  the 19 deceased paddlers were all males and not one had a means of raising the alarm.

"Eleven of the paddlers had a lifejacket with them and seven were wearing them — but only five had them correctly fitted."

A market research study commissioned by MSV found that paddlers thought their activity was low risk and this attitude is at odds with the Coroner's findings.

MSV is now focussed on alerting paddlers to the importance of wearing a lifejacket and carrying multiple means of raising the alarm.

PADDLERS IN LIFEJACKETS
Mr Hourigan said the Coroner's Court research and the MSV study were done to better understand paddlers' attitudes to safety and how that affects their behaviour.

Many paddlers don't think of themselves as boaters, are unaware that lifejackets are mandatory, and do not realise there are risks associated with their activity whether on open sea or inland waters.

"Our message for all paddlers is – wear a lifejacket, it buys you time to raise the alarm, so help arrives as soon as possible.

PADDLING SAFETY TIPS
It is also important for paddlers to check the weather/tides/river levels, keep a look out, paddle with others, tell someone your plans, know your limits and those of your craft.

You can read the
Coroner's Court Report on paddlers here.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE RESEARCH
Kayaks were the most commonly used paddlecraft, 44 per cent of paddlers preferred kayaks and 'yak fishing is popular.

A sit-on-top pedal kayak was the most frequently used paddlecraft (on average more than seven times in the past 12 months).  The use of sit-on-top pedal kayaks was more than four times as high among regional users.

Most use occurred in warmer months with over half of users stating that they had not paddled in the colder months.

Almost half of all users own at least one paddlecraft.  Stand-up paddle boards are the most common among metropolitan users (51 per cent) and sit-on top pedal kayaks for regional users.

Users spent 1-2 hours (46 per cent) and 3-4 hours (28 per cent) partaking in their usual paddling trips. Paddling trips are usually undertaken with friends (37 per cent) and family (30 per cent) with a smaller number undertaking solo trips (15 per cent).

Most users had been using their paddlecraft for 1 to 5 years (40-60 per cent) with a smaller group using paddlecraft for less than one year (15-31 per cent).  Traditional paddle craft are associated with longer use periods.

Most paddling trips occurred within 400 metres of land in a familiar location (47 per cent).

All safety precautions were regarded as having relative to high importance eg wearing a life jacket (68 per cent). High levels of safety precautions were taken on usual and unfamiliar trips (36-87 per cent).

More than half of paddlers believe that they have moderate knowledge of paddle safety (54 per cent) although 24 per cent stated that they have little knowledge.

Paddling (other than whitewater) was considered to be a moderate risk activity (score 5.3 out of 10) but less risky than surfing and cycling.

Paddling activities are considered to be of moderate to high importance. The highest motivation for paddling was to ‘take a break from daily life / stress’ (47 per cent agree and strongly agree).

Most paddlers agree that accidents are usually caused by people being unaware of their capabilities or limitations (74 per cent agree and strongly agree) and that almost all accidents are preventable (55 per cent agree and strongly agree).

Paddlers had typically acquired skills through others (26 per cent), on a trip (20 per cent) or at a school camp (18 per cent). Videos on safety and technique (29 per cent) were favoured over other training options with almost one-third likely to consider paddling training.

For children and others, paddlers favoured guidance (50 per cent), demonstrations (46 per cent) and limiting activities until they had proven themselves (40 per cent).

You can read up about paddling safety with this downloadable Paddle Safe, Paddle Smart brochure.