Paddle Trails Canoeing Regulations and Safety Tips Safety Equipment Checklist Flotation Gear. (Regulations require Coast Guard approved wearable personal flotation device for each occupant.) First Aid Kit. Add insect repellent and sunscreen. Extra paddle Bow and stern lines Flashlight and extra bulbs Allow Enough Time Allow two miles per hour canoeing time under normal river conditions. Driving and shuttling time is extra. Know the Water Check recent and predicted weather conditions. Find out about river conditions - flooded, low, or normal. A flooded river is often dangerous and should not be canoed. A low river may expose logs and stumps, requiring many liftovers or portages, which make the trip slower and more difficult. Coastal streams are affected by wind tides which can create flow in both directions. Windy conditions can affect canoes and small boats - especially on wide coastal rivers. Play it Safe Secure your car and take keys with you. Canoe in a group or with a buddy. Watch for motorboats and yachts. Stay to the right and turn the bow into the wake. Let someone know your plans - where you are canoeing and when you plan to be back. Place food and gear in water-tight containers and tie them securely to the canoe. Don't overload the canoe or small boat. Avoid horseplay. Carry drinking water. Respect Property Don't litter or pollute the water with trash or other waste. Don't cut living trees or harass animals. Be careful with campfires. Use cookstoves when possible. Access to private land should be by invitation only. Camp only in designated areas to avoid trespassing. For Boating and Fishing Regulations Contact: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Phone: (919) 733-3391 NC WRS Website: - http://www.wildlife.state.nc.us 512 North Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27604-1188

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