Canoeing Physical Hazards

Learn what dangerous terrain to look out for and how to prepare for outdoor emergencies whenever you're planning a canoeing route.

By Doug Mckown
Updated on June 14, 2022
article image
Adobe Stock/steheap

Learn what dangerous terrain to look out for and how to prepare for outdoor emergencies whenever you’re planning a canoeing route.

To plan for potential rescue, and determine the equipment that should be carried, the canoeing group leader must find out as much as possible about the physical hazards of the route.

The individual nature of the canoe route, and particularly its own specific physical hazards, will significantly affect your rescue planning. A steep, rocky, technically difficult river will demand a completely different rescue plan than a week-long, remote lake canoeing trip. Unfortunately, it may be difficult to find out what the physical hazards are. You may need to be prepared for a number of possibilities. The important point is to ensure that all the equipment that is available to your group is suitable for the expected conditions and that it is in proper working order before you leave home. I remember a day when one of my friends, Cathy, capsized in a difficult rapid and there was only one rescuer downstream of her. The rescuer, Steve, jumped out of his canoe, onto the shore to toss his throwbag. Steve was confident in his ability to use a throwbag, and was caught totally by surprise when he swung the bag for a powerful throw and nothing happened. This was the first time this season that Steve had used this throwbag, and whoever was using it last had not stored it properly, leaving it stuffed in a tangled, useless mass. Cathy floated by with a forlorn look on her face, and a longer, unpleasant rescue ensued.

How Moving Water Affects Safety

River mishaps are different from lake mishaps in that the river does not stop flowing just because you have an accident. The situation is, therefore, more dynamic and likely to be more dangerous. Everything, including your rescue, must happen faster because the situation is continuously changing.

The organization, the planning for rescue, and the establishment of priorities are exactly the same as for any other emergency situation. However, you are now dealing with moving water, and moving water has an awesome force. The faster the current, the greater the force.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368