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Canoe Safety

A classification scale for swift water has been developed by the American Whitewater Affiliation. This scale rates rivers on a classification of I to VI in boating difficulty.

The scale takes into account river conditions, hazards, availability for rescue and temperatures. Most of Ohio's streams are rated Class I and II, but flooding may change the stream's rating to a higher classification. Boaters should have advanced paddling skills to attempt any stream over Class II.

• Class I: few riffles and small waves; easy boating
• Class II: waves up to three feet with wide channels; easy rapids
• Class III: high, irregular waves with narrow passages; requires scouting and constant maneuvering
• Class IV: long, difficult rapids with constricted passages in turbulent water; scouting necessary, rescue difficult
• Class V: difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes; scouting must be done from shore; rescue is so difficult it presents a hazard to life
• Class VI: the most dangerous rapids; boating is nearly impossible and is life-threatening

Tips for safe boating, canoeing

• Wear a life jacket at all times, particularly in moving water. (Children under 10 are required to wear life jackets of an appropriate size.)
• If the water looks too hazardous to swim don't boat on it!
• If you capsize, hold on to your boat unless it presents a life-threatening situation.
• If floating in current, position yourself on the upstream side of the capsized boat.
• Dress properly and bring an extra change of clothing with you in a waterproof bag.
• Wetsuits or drysuits should be worn when water and air temperatures combined equal less then 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Neoprene shoes or tennis shoes with woolen socks are recommended footwear.
• Remember: Never boat over lowhead dams.
• Portage (carry) around any section of water about which you feel uncertain.
• Avoid overexertion and guard against extreme weather conditions.
• File a "float plan" with a reliable person indicating where you are going and when you will leave and return. Remember to contact the person once you have returned safely.
• Never boat alone.
• Do not overload or unevenly load your craft.
• Do not attempt to stand or walk in swift moving water.

Lowhead Dams And Waterfalls

• Know the location of all lowhead dams and waterfalls on the river that you plan to boat.
• Never attempt to boat over a dam.
• Small dams can look harmless, particularly in swollen streams, but they are very dangerous because of the turbulence or hydraulic which may form at the base of the dam.
• Boats as well as people may become trapped in this hydraulic.
• Carry your boat around the hazard and launch at a safe distance downstream from all dams.
• Waterfalls should also be scouted and portaged.
• If possible, scout a river or stream in advance of any boating trip and plan your trip to avoid any dams or river obstructions.

Strainers

• River obstructions that allow water to flow through them, but which block or "strain" people and boats, are known as "strainers"
• They are frequently found in the form of overhanging branches and limbs, log jams and flooded islands.
• All strainers should be avoided, especially in swift water.

Floods And Swift Water

• Paddlers should never boat on streams with water spilling out of the banks.
• High water causes hazards such as lowhead dams to become even more dangerous.
• Unseen obstacles such as floating logs or submerged trees may also threaten a boater.
• Flood levels are monitored throughout the state and river warnings may be issued by the Division of Watercraft. River warnings and flood information are made available to boaters through public TV and radio, or by contacting any Watercraft office.

Hypothermia

• "Hypothermia" is the lowering of the body's core temperature.
• It is commonly caused by cold water, but may also be hastened by chilling winds and perspiration.
• When air and water temperatures combined do not exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia becomes a hazard. Boaters should be prepared for cold air and water by dressing properly, i.e., wetsuits and woolen clothing.
• Every boater should be aware of the symptoms of hypothermia and be knowledgeable of its treatment.

Foot Entrapments

• If your boat capsizes, do not attempt to stand or walk if you are in swift-moving water.
• A boater may slip and pin a foot between submerged rocks. Once pinned, the force of the current can push the boater's body under the water and hold it there.
• Always keep your feet up, pointed downstream, and swim to calm water before standing.

* Source, Division of Watercraft, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources