Kayak Safety: The 10 Non-Negotiable Items

The list, in order of importance

1. PFD (personal flotation device). Type III kayaking cut. Worn, not stowed.
2. Whistle. Attached to the PFD. Required in most US navigable waters.
3. Sun protection. Long-sleeve UPF shirt, brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen. Sun on water is a full multiplier.
4. Water and food. More than you think.
5. Bilge pump. Handheld pump to empty a swamped cockpit. Sit-in boats especially.
6. Paddle float. For self-rescue re-entry. Learn to use it before you need it.
7. Spray skirt. For sit-in kayaks in cold water or chop.
8. VHF radio or PLB. For open-water and remote trips.
9. Dry bag with a change of clothes. Especially in cold water.
10. A float plan. Someone on land knows where you launched, your planned route, and when you should be back.

The three rules

• Wear your PFD. Not just have it — wear it. Nearly all kayak fatalities involve someone who had a PFD but was not wearing it.
• Dress for the water, not the air. A 75°F day over 50°F water can kill you in twenty minutes.
• Do not paddle alone in conditions you cannot self-rescue in. Practice self-rescue in warm water before you need it in cold.

Frequently asked questions

Do I legally have to wear a life jacket in a kayak?

In the US, federal rules require a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved PFD on board for every paddler, and most states require children to wear one at all times. Regardless of the letter of the law, wear it — a PFD stowed under a bungee saves nobody.

What water temperature counts as cold-water paddling?

Below roughly 60°F (15°C) for the water, not the air. That is the point where cold shock and gasp reflex become the real risk, so add a wetsuit or drysuit, dress for immersion, and stay close to shore.

What is the single most overlooked safety item?

A whistle or air horn attached to your PFD. It carries far further than your voice, costs a few dollars, and is the fastest way to get the attention of a motorboat that has not seen your low-profile kayak.