Water Sports: First Aid and Safety in Kayaking and Paddleboarding

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Quebec's waterways are irresistible in summer. But behind the fun lies a risk that is often underestimated. Every year, nautical outings turn tragic, and cold water is one of the main culprits. Mastering some first aid and safety reflexes in water sports can turn a capsizing into a simple mishap rather than an emergency. Before launching your boat, here's what you need to know.

The real danger in Quebec: cold water

It can be 30°C on the shore and only 5°C in the water. On the St. Lawrence River downstream from Quebec City, the water remains cold almost all year round; on lakes and rivers, it is especially cold at the beginning and end of the season. A sudden fall into cold water causes "cold shock": an uncontrollable reflexive gasp, an accelerated heart rate, and a rapid loss of strength in the arms and legs. In just a few minutes, it becomes difficult to swim or pull oneself back onto the boat.

Dress for the water, not the air

The golden rule for experienced paddlers: dress according to the water temperature, never the air temperature. A simple and recognized guideline:

• Add the air temperature and the water temperature. If the total is less than 37°C, the risk associated with cold water is very real: dress accordingly.
• Depending on the season, opt for an insulating suit (neoprene) or a dry suit.
• Always wear your personal flotation device (PFD) — not stored in the boat, but on you. It is the most effective way to prevent drowning.

Recognizing and treating hypothermia

Hypothermia sets in when the body loses heat faster than it produces it. Watch for these signs: intense shivering, confusion, drowsiness, slurred speech, clumsy movements, and lack of energy. If you observe them, act without delay:

• Get the person out of the water and out of the wind as quickly as possible.
• Remove wet clothing and replace it with warm, dry clothes, also covering the head and extremities.
• Warm gradually with blankets and, if the person is fully conscious, a warm non-alcoholic drink.
• Handle them gently and call 911 if confusion persists or if shivering stops without rewarming — this is a sign of worsening condition.

Our detailed article on hypothermia covers each of these actions in depth.

Capsizing and drowning: the right reflexes

If you capsize, the goal is to get back on board quickly and stay with your boat, which floats and makes you visible:

• Stay calm, control your breathing, and grab your boat.
• Master self-rescue techniques for getting back on board in advance — practice them in shallow water before the season.
• If someone is in distress in the water, reach or throw a floating object rather than entering the water yourself.
• Once the person is out of the water, if they are not breathing, begin CPR without delay.

For complete instructions, consult our guide on first aid in case of drowning.

The kit to take on the water

A first aid kit adapted for the outdoors, stored in a waterproof bag, makes all the difference when far from help: survival blanket, compresses and bandages, dressings, whistle, and means of communication. Also, get inspiration from our article on the hiking first aid kit.

What to remember

In water sports, safety begins before launching: a PFD worn at all times, clothing adapted to the water temperature, and the ability to recognize hypothermia. Prepare your outings with an outdoor first aid kit and the right first aid equipment. A little preparation, and the water remains a pleasure.

This article is for educational purposes only. In case of emergency, call 911.