Water Safety

Practical safety guidance for paddlers and small-boaters on the Northwest Discovery Water Trail. Originally published on ndwt.org; reused with permission from the Washington Water Trails Association.

1. WeatherForecast sources, fog and wind hazards, and protecting yourself from hypothermia.
2. Barge TrafficSharing the river with commercial tugs and tows along the Columbia and Snake.
3. CommunicationsMarine radios, mobile coverage gaps, and getting word out when things go sideways.
4. Reading the RiversCurrents, eddies, and what river features tell you before you commit to a line.
5. Float PlansFiling a float plan so someone ashore knows where to look if you do not arrive on schedule.
6. Safety GearLife jackets, throw devices, and recommended electronics for long-corridor trips.