Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford is currently closed due to recent water damage impacting multiple areas of the building. We are working to remediate the situation and get the building back open to staff and the public as soon as possible. While the building is closed, Staff continue to work either remotely or in alternate locations. We continue to be able to receive documents via U.S. Mail or courier service, and our electronic file submittal protocols remain unchanged. For updates, please click here

Paddlers Safety Checklists and Equipment

Basic Trip
If you do not know how to use any of the equipment, get instruction before you set out.
  • Kayak & canoe appropriate for conditions, with flotation bags or bulkheads 
  • Clothing appropriate for conditions with extra layers
  • Life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD) with whistle, emergency strobe light and signal mirror attached
  • Sunglasses and safety strap
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Spray skirt
  • Bilge pump or bailer
  • Paddle
  • Spare paddle
  • Paddle float
  • Food and water
  • Rain gear and hat
  • Dry bags
  • Flares
  • Fog horn
  • VHF marine radio
  • Weather radio
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight/headlamp
  • Kayak and canoe repair kit
  • Multipurpose repair tool
  • Local charts
  • Deck compass
  • Tide chart
  • Opt: Vacuum bottle (hot drink)
Additional Checklists
Whether you are a new or seasoned paddler, there are a few items of etiquette and rules of navigation to be aware of before venturing out on the water. Use these lists to plan a trip. Remember that no list can keep you safe: You must be familiar with and practice safety and rescue techniques. Instructors, guides, and clubs can provide this training. 
Before you leave the house:
  • Plan a route appropriate for the experience level of your group; use navigational charts; identify possible danger zones and emergency evacuation options.
  • Find out what land, if any, is open to the public.
  • In cold weather, dress for water temperature rather than air temperature; consider wearing a wet suit or dry suit.
  • Know your group’s medical needs, abilities, and expectations.
  • Agree on your group’s method for making decisions.
  • Write down emergency phone numbers and VHF radio channels.
  • Coast Guard emergency information: VHF Channel 16 or 9.
  • Listen to the local marine forecast and paddling conditions such as water temperature, wind, tide range and currents.
  • Review paddlers etiquette
  • Complete a float plan.
Before you leave the launch
All group members should gather near the launch site and review these questions together (avoid tying up the ramp!)
  • Basic paddling: Does every participant know strokes, braces, and rescue techniques?
  • Course planning: Does everybody know the intended route, break locations, emergency bailouts, campsites, distances to be covered, contingency plans, and safe landing options?
  • Leadership and decision-making: Is someone in charge in case of danger? Who will make decisions about course changes?
  • Safety: Does everyone know about staying together, how to communicate with others on the water, what to do if someone capsizes?
  • Procedures: Do trip members know how to avoid getting lost or separated from the group, and what to do if someone else gets lost or separated?
  • Outfitting: Is each canoe and kayak equipped with standard safety gear?
  • Tides: Is everyone familiar with the local tides and how they will affect conditions
  • Launching: Is all gear packed and are kayaks and canoes ready to be launched promptly?
Once on the water
  • Visibility: Assume that other boaters cannot see you. Stay out of well-traveled areas, keep your group tight. Use brightly colored boats and life jackets, and wave your paddle in the air to increase visibility.
  • Communication: Use visual communications, a VHF marine radio, a fog horn, and/or a whistle to communicate with other vessels.
  • Navigation: Use a chart, compass, and other navigation tools to predict danger areas and keep track of your course.
  • Group ability: Paddle only to the ability of your slowest member. If necessary, change your course.
  • Weather: Because weather can change quickly, watch for incoming storms, changes in weather patterns, and cloud formations.
  • Ocean conditions: Keep track of wind-driven waves, rebounding and/or refracting waves, tidal currents, and the effects of sea bottom on the surface.
  • Hydration: To avoid dehydration, drink enough fluids; plan on at least three quarts for a full-day trip.
  • The elements: Protect yourself from the sun, the cold, and the water.
  • Medical needs: Remain attentive to any medical issues that might arise on the water (sea sickness, hypothermia, blisters, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and so on).
  • Shoreside: Most land on the coast is private. Land only on public property or where you have permission. 
  • Leave No Trace: Always.
 
Content last updated December 2019.