This Week Is Safe Paddle Week – Everett Post

The combination of the pandemic, the opening of the state in recent months, and the recent dry sunny weather has resulted in paddle boards, kayaks, and other human-powered watercraft flying off the shelves. These low-cost ways to explore and enjoy our region’s waterways were already growing in popularity, but the recent unprecedented heat wave and the opening up of the state led to an explosion in sales.

As a result, many new people find themselves on the area’s waterways and find themselves in trouble on the water. Four more people died of drowning while using human-powered watercraft in West Washington last month.

One way to combat tragedies like this is by wearing a life jacket. Fortunately, Coastal in Marysville is giving away 300 life jackets for children 12 and under on Saturday, July 24th. The Northwest-owned company has 20 stores in Oregon and Washington and employs nearly a thousand people. Their Monroe location gave away an additional 300 life jackets in June. Like the previous giveaway, this is a first-come, first-serve event. The store is located at 9623 State Avenue in Marysville. The life jackets are 100% free for all families.

This week – July 18-24, 2021 – is Safe Paddle Week, the first week to raise additional awareness of the safe use of human-powered watercraft on the region’s waterways. It is critically important to stay safe while enjoying the area’s waters.

Almost half of all boat deaths in Washington are paddle boats. About 75% of people do not wear a properly fitting life jacket. It may be summer, but the surrounding waters remain cold – especially not far below the surface, and the sinking causes what is known as a cold water shock. Like walking into a cold shower, the panting reflex causes water instead of air to be inhaled when falling in cold water, which leads to a lot of these drownings. Wearing a life jacket will at least keep you afloat and allow others to react quickly.

Another important safety element for paddle boarders is the use of an ankle leach that is attached to your board. When you fall you tend to push the board away from you, and when the wind blows the board will go with you. The tether allows you to pull the board back towards you while floating with your life jacket.

Also wear an acoustic device such as a whistle or horn and at least one navigation light on your life jacket. All of these tools allow others to find you quickly when needed and are legally required devices.

Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and other paddle boats are all considered watercraft and are subject to all recreational craft laws. Less than 25 percent of paddlers have completed a boat safety course. The course includes not only safety equipment, but also traffic rules on the water and more. After completing the online course, you will also receive a boat operator training card that you can take with you on or near the water.

Another important step is to let someone at home or nearby know where you are on the water and when you want to return. This step is called the floating plan and it allows your loved ones or friends to contact the authorities in case you are late and the search can start where you were supposed to. And always check the weather forecast before you set off. High winds and choppy water are not conducive to human-operated watercraft.

Summer is the time of year to get out of the house, hit the water and have a fun, yet safe time. With these Safe Paddle Week steps, you, your family and friends can safely and fully enjoy the summer on the water.