As you head out on the lake this summer, it’s important to know how to stay safe on your paddle board or in your kayak.
July 22-28 is Washington Paddle Safe Week and local law enforcement are reminding everyone that, by law, all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards, must have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.
If you have someone under the age of 12 with you, they are required to wear a life jacket while on the water.
Whitman County Sheriff’s Office said it recommends staying tethered to your paddleboard for extra flotation and “a chance to stay alive when falling in.”
The department said it’s important to make a plan, check the weather, know your route and share it with someone before you go.
It’s also recommended to never go out on the water alone and to stay within verbal and visual contact of anyone with you.
WCSO said you should know and practice how to get back in your watercraft, in case you fall in.
The department also recommends labeling your paddle craft with contact information. “When empty paddle craft are found adrift, it is assumed someone is in danger.”
For more important safety information, visit www.parks.wa.gov.
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