Be a safe paddler and encourage others to do the same this week, during Paddle Safe Week!





Boating Program Header




*Recreational Boating Safety*

*July 2025*






girl kayaking on a lake while wearing a life jacket
It's Paddle Safe Week!

During Paddle Safe Week, take a moment to review safety tips, and encourage others in your community to do the same!

*The single, most important way to paddle safely is to always wear a life jacket on the water. *

Did you know? State law requires all vessels, including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to have at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board.

Participants under the age of 12 are required to wear the life jacket at all times, but paddlers of all ages and even those with strong swimming skills are encouraged to wear a life jacket, due to the unpredictable nature of the sport.

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someone kayaking on a lake while wearing a life jacket
The program also recommends the following safety practices:

* *Get Educated* – Find classes through local clubs and outfitters, city and county parks and recreation departments, and online.
* *Know and Use Proper Equipment –* For stand-up paddleboarding, leash recommendations change depending on the type of water you paddleboard on. Make sure you are correctly using the proper leash type for your
* *Carry Essential Gear* – Carry the essentials for safety [ [link removed] ], emergency communications and comfort.
* *Check and Understand the Weather* – Check the weather frequently before and during each trip, keeping an eye on current conditions and forecasts.
* *Protect Against Cold Water Shock* – Avoid the biggest risk, which is not hypothermia but cold-water shock. Cold water shock occurs in the first stage of immersion (from an unplanned fal overboard). Be prepared. Wear a life jacket.
* *File a Float Plan* – Before heading out, study the intended route, and let someone know the plan.
* *Paddle with a Group* – Go out with at least three people and stay close enough for visual or verbal contact.
* *Avoid Alcohol and Drugs* – Stay alert and maintain situational awareness. These are key for safety on the water.
* *Learn how to self-rescue* – Know how to get back in or on the craft. Paddlecraft are typically safe, but there’s a higher risk of going overboard and becoming a swimmer.
* *Label your Paddlecraft* – Use a sticker or some other means to provide contact information for privately owned paddlecraft. When empty paddlecraft are found adrift, it’s assumed someone is in danger.
* *Be Visible to Other Boaters* – Paddle to be seen. Wear bright neon and contrasting colors, put highly reflective tape on paddles, use a flagpole and carry a bright light.





*Be a Voice In Boating!*






two people fishing in a canoe on a lake while wearing life jackets
Paddlesports Participation Survey

This year, the Recreational Boating Safety Program is highlighting the importance of life jacket wear while paddling, and we need your help!

Each summer, millions of Washingtonians get out on the water on kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards—and we’re launching a survey to help us better understand your safety habits. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete, and the data will help inform education and safety efforts by the program in years to come.

The survey is open to all Washington residents and all skill levels!

*Take the Survey* [ [link removed] ]



pumpout don't dump out - it's the law
Puget Sound No Discharge Zone Survey

"Puget Sound and its adjoining waters have been designated a No Discharge Zone (NDZ) for vessel sewage. The Washington Department of Ecology and partner organizations are interested in understanding your current vessel sewage practices, your awareness of the NDZ rule, and any challenges you’ve experienced. Your feedback will help us develop new resources to make the process of disposing of vessel sewage as simple and safe as possible. "

"The survey takes just *5 minutes* to complete, and your responses are anonymous."

*Take the Survey* [ [link removed] ]






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"We'll see you out on the water!"

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