Paddling, by its nature includes many risks.  Paddlers must consider such things as:

1. Extreme water and/or air temperature (which create vulnerability to cold shock, hypothermia, heat stroke, etc.)

2. Challenging water conditions (such as waves, rapids, currents, tides, obstructions etc.

3. Sudden deterioration of weather conditions (such as wind gusts, pop-up storms, lightning etc.)

4. Inadequate boat for the expected conditions

5. Improperly fitting equipment (such as PFD, boat size, paddle size, etc.)

6. Inadequate paddler skills and experience for expected conditions 

7. Improperly maintained equipment (such as leaking hull or bulkhead, loose seats, broken foot rest, weakened/broken deck lines, etc.)

8. Lack of safety supplies (first aid kit, PFD, spare paddle, whistle, throwline, etc.)

9. Improper loading and unloading of boat on a vehicle for transporting it to and from the water

10. Improper boat launching and take-out  

11. Unknown factors

Paddling can be a safe and fun sport when paddlers
know the risks
comply with the law
follow LOC rules 
take responsibility for their readiness/safety 

LET'S HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE PADDLING