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Canoeing Safety

1. Learn to swim before you try canoeing

2. If you are inexperienced, travel with a seasoned canoeist

3. Learn canoeing from a professional in advanced of your trip

4. Always wear an approved life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) that meets your body requirements.  If you capsize, hang on to the canoe.  It won't sink and will keep you afloat until you reach shore

5. Canoe close to shore in case of sudden changes in weather

6. Use portages, where there is no portage, always check rapids before attempting to run them.  If in doubt, walk or line your canoe

7. Always leave word of your trip with a reliable person.  Let them know names and addresses of the people in your party, a description of your route, including starting and finishing points, and estimated date of return