• Always tell somebody your route and time of return.
• Wear a suitable serviced buoyancy aid or lifejacket for your activity.
• Take a means of calling for help, mobile phone in waterproof bag or VHF.
• Wear suitable clothing for the time of year, in the winter a wetsuit or dry suit.
• Always use a paddle board with the right leash.
• Check the tide times before you depart, which can be found here: Tide tables
• Check the weather forecast and avoid offshore winds.
• Do not drink alcohol and paddle.
• Keep a good look out for other water users and obey International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS).
• Do not paddle under jetties and piers.
• Know your limits.
• Be mindful as a water user on your effect on other water users and minimise impact on wildlife.
• If you are launching on a lifeguarded beach, make sure you launch and recover between the black and white chequered flags.
• Take extra items, refreshments, sun cream, first aid kit etc in a waterproof dry bag.
• At the end of your paddle, wash your kit to avoid contamination from invasive species and advise your shore contact you are back in and safe. Take all your litter and food waste home.
