IKFA Safety

Paddlers - canoeists and kayakers - generally wear a good Personal Floatation Device (PFD). This is very much in their favor; however, there is a tendency to be lulled into a false sense of security. There are several reasons why persons wearing life jackets occasionally drown. Paddlers, in p...

In May of 1995, a group of kayakers paddling near Harpswell, Maine unexpectedly encountered strong currents that resulted in three kayakers being separated from the group and set out to sea.

The paddler's environment can present many extremes. Whether paddling on a stream or open water, a paddler is affected by many things. Developing good judgment is important to making your trip a safe and enjoyable.

Between 1996 and 2000, 75 percent of all paddling-related fatalities involved canoeing and 83 percent of those victims were not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the accident, according to the American Canoe Association’s (ACA) recently released report on paddling fatalities.

~ Massachusetts Harbormasters Association ~ ~ Cape & Islands Harbormasters Association ~ ~ North Shore Harbormasters Association ~ Mary Jagoda - Sarah Aronoff Kayak Safety Bill Press Release Localized Press Release Media Release Paul Milone, President MHA (Weymouth Harbormaster) David...