With the warmer weather quickly approaching, many will be enticed to hit the waterways and marshes on the Outer Banks to enjoy some kayaking and canoeing. Whether they are new to the sport or have already experienced some kayaking, everyone must follow the same guidelines when it comes to water safety and preparing for a trip on the water.
There are some basic supplies and gear every paddler must be sure to have. Not only will it make the excursion more pleasurable, but it will help ensure a safe journey. No matter how experienced a person thinks they are, everyone must wear a flotation vest. Make sure that it fits snug because that will keep the head and chest out of the water. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are also necessities. There are a lot of good choices when it comes to appropriate foot ware. Just make sure that shoes have soft soles and sandals should have straps to provide better footing and also to prevent them from being lost in the water. Bottled drinking water is a must and so are snacks that are sealed in plastic bags.
High water and swift moving rivers, especially following a spring rainstorm, can endanger lives when enjoying water sports. Currents can suddenly become stronger and take inexperienced paddlers into dangerous situations. Oftentimes, branches are swept downstream and get stuck or trees can fall and block part of the river. Just riding along the current without paying much attention or going around a blind bend can quickly lead to big problems. Such waters as these can make it hard to navigate in addition to hiding lots of different hazards. So, here are a few helpful safety tips to think about if you are planning to take a trip on a scenic river.
During the off season, rivers are still cold so take measures to reduce the risk of hypothermia. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring along a change of dry clothes protected in a plastic zipper bag. Bring supplies to start a fire and pack them to ensure they stay dry. An emergency whistle may come in handy to signal other paddlers of trouble ahead. Also, bring along a good knife with a serrated blade for cutting through rope, fishing line, or other debris in which anyone can become tangled. Rescue throw ropes can help in the retrieval of people swept away or who become stranded in the middle of a river.
Where there is a meander in the river, stay on the inside. Debris is carried to the outside of bends, where the water is faster. The slower water is on the inside of a bend and watercraft is more easily controlled in these waters. Keep focusing on the water ahead to give enough time to avoid obstacles like rocks and logs. Although many look forward to a relaxing and fun day on the river, just remember that alcohol and river activities don’t go well together. Alcohol impairs ones judgment and abilities and the effects of alcohol are intensified while exposed to the hot sun. Be responsible and stay sober on the water and on the drive home, too.
About the Editors: Shapiro, Cooper, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.
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Rick Shapiro has practiced personal injury law for over 30 years in Virginia, North Carolina, and throughout the Southeastern United States. He is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (ABA Accredited) and has litigated injury cases throughout the eastern United States, including wrongful death, trucking, faulty products, railroad, and medical negligence claims. During his three-decade career, Shapiro has won client appeals before the VA Supreme Court, VA Court of Appeals, NC Supreme Court, SC Supreme Court, WV Supreme Court, TN Supreme Court, and three times before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, underscoring Shapiro’s trial achievements. In addition, he and his law firm have won settlements/verdicts in excess of $100 million. His success in and out of the courtroom is a big reason why he was named 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” in railroad law in U.S. News & World Report's Best Lawyers publication (Norfolk, VA area), and he has been named a “Best Lawyer” and “Super Lawyer” by those peer-reviewed organizations for multiple years. Rick was also named a “Leader in the Law, Class of 2022” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly (total of 33 statewide honorees consisting of lawyers and judges across Virginia). And in September 2023, Rick was selected as a recipient of the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) 2023 President’s Award. Although many nominations were submitted from across the country, Rick was just one of eight attorneys chosen by the prestigious National Board which certifies civil trial attorneys across the U.S. Rick was also recently named to Virginia Lawyers Weekly 2024 Virginia’s Go To Lawyers Medical Malpractice. The attorneys awarded this honor are nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a panel from the publication.
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