Safety Gear
When it comes to figuring out what paddling gear is needed after you've purchased your boat or board, safety gear should be at the top of the list. The equipment on this page can be just as important as your paddle or your PFD (Life Jacket). To help you narrow down what gear is best for your specific paddling discipline you can use the below icons...
As always, if you have specific questions about a piece of equipment or how it's used you can check in with one of the paddling experts here at BayCreek. It's super important that you choose equipment that will work for your specific needs. There are a lot of reviews and opinions on the internet, but nothing can replace coming to an actual specialty shop and getting your hands on the equipment. You always want to make sure that the weight and dimensions of a piece of gear will feel comfortable to hold, fit in/on your boat or board and most importantly be easy for you to use
To make this page easy to navigate we have split our offering of safety gear up into a few different categories. We've tried to organize these categories in the order which they would be needed in event of an emergency. You can click the links below to explore the different sections.
- Signaling Devices
- Re-Entry Aids
- Bilge Pumps, Bailers & Sponges
- Leashes & Paddle Keepers
- Tow Systems
- First Aid
In the event of an emergency it's important to make your presence known. This can be done with audible signals and visual signals. Here in the US the Coast Guard requires you to carry an audible signaling device at all times on the water and a visual signaling device (a light) when paddling at dusk, nighttime or dawn.
The Classic by Fox 40
The Classic Fox 40 Safety Whistle is the original and still the standard choice for rescue professionals. Sometimes you have to be heard to be rescued.
- The 3-chamber pealess design has no moving parts to freeze, jam or deteriorate.
- Easy to blow and cannot be overblown. The harder you blow, the louder the sound.
- Chambers are designed to self-clear when submerged in water.
- Sound will be heard up to a mile away.
- A whistle is vital for signalling above the sound of surf and whitewater.
- Remember, in most on-the-water situations a sounding device like a whistle is required by the Coast Guard.
- We recommend against attaching the whistle to the zipper pull on your life jacket. That can result in accidental unzipping.
Navilight 360º Rescue 2NM by NaviSafe
Multifunctional portable All-round white Navilight with magnetic base in rescue color. The Navilight 360° Rescue 2NM – US Coast Guard approved for 2 nautical miles is based on the Navilight 360° 2NM and includes a 360° All-round light, 225° Masthead light, 135° Sternlight, Flashing light, Anchoring light and a Cabin light. Additionally it is fitted with a glow in the dark circle around the switch. These unique glow pigments glow for 8 hours after only 10 minutes of exposition to daylight. This and the emergency green color of the body, makes Navi light 360° Rescue Edition 2NM extremely easy to locate, day and night. It uses super bright LED light, is water proof, floats and attaches almost anywhere through its double magnetic mounting system.
- US Coast Guard approved for 2 nautical miles
- 5 Modes:
- 360° All-round light / Anchoring light
- 225° Masthead light
- 135° Sternlight
- Flashing light
- Cabin light
- Fluorescent glowring around the on/off switch
- Floats light facing up
- Submersible to 20 m / 66 ft.
- Powered by three AAA batteries (not included)
- Additional Suction Mount available
There will be a point when you capsize your boat or fall from your board. It's not a question of if, but when... Remember, no one plans on capsizing which is why it's called an accident. Re-Entry aids are super helpful when you need a little assistance remounting your paddle craft.
Inflatable Paddle Float by North Water
The unique shape makes it perfect for Euro and Greenland paddles. Double Air Chamber for built in safety, High visibility colors with reflective trim makes it easy to spot day or night. Built with high tenacity light weight fabric.
- Double handle design provides 45+ pounds of additional floatation.
- Euro or Greenland style paddle use.
- Use it for a Bay-Watch style rescue can for additional floatation.
- Attach a lanyard to dramatically increase your visibility when swimming and snorkeling.
- Built in Pea-less signaling whistle.
- Great for rolling practice.
- Red storage bag helps keep the float out of UV and away from grit and sand.
- Red storage bag can be waist worn.
Inflatable Paddle Float by Northwest River Supplies
Overbuilt for your safety. The NRS Sea Kayak Paddle Float gives you unmatched support for self rescue.
- This easy to use compact paddle float serves as an outrigger to stabilize your boat in an unassisted re-entry situation.
- The huge main pocket easily slips over a paddle blade and securely buckles to the shaft with 1" webbing and a barrel lock draw cord.
- Constructed with a durable nylon outer shell with 2" webbing grab loop (not shown).
- Dual air chamber design with easy-to-use twist valves provide you with a back up chamber if ever necessary.
- Reflective tape for additional visibility.
Foam Paddle Float by North Water
This paddle float lies low conforming to the shape of your deck. Its low profile keeps it very secure and is ready to go at a moments notice.
- Stays put due to its curved conforming patterning and materials.
- More secure with lower overall profile.
- Quickly deploys with two paddle blade pockets allowing use from either end.
- High visibility reflective tape identifies the opening of the blade pocket and provides visibility to others in low light conditions.
- Anchoring straps on either end of the paddle float allow it to be secured to the kayak.
- Durable Nylon Pack Cloth Shell
- High Density Closed Cell Foam
FourPlay Paddle Float by North Water
This multi-use paddle float is Amazing in its simplicity. It combines several very useful products into one. We could have called it the Six or Seven Play but it was not as much fun. Bring items that you might otherwise have to leave behind. May be used as a Paddle Float, Beaching Pad, Sleeping Pad, Camp Chair, Loading Pad, and anything else you might think of to pad.
- This very efficient paddle float can be deployed from either end.
- Makes your paddling Adventures Safer and a lot More Comfortable.
- Protect your kayak with this beaching pad
- Protect your car and kayak with this loading pad.
- Use as a comfortable Seat with Back
- Use as a Sleeping Pad
- It is also works great as a kneeling pad when cooking and performing religious rituals.
- Reflective Webbing for greater visibility in low light conditions
Sea Tec Rescue Stirrup by North Water
Re-enter your kayak with ease and confidence. Our Rescue Stirrup uses sinking webbing to position the loop for your foot and a neoprene cuff to keep the rest on top. This is the perfect aid to help you get you back in your boat and paddling again.
- High Visibility Yellow webbing is easy to see in murky water
- Easily adjusts to the right length for quick re-entry
- Webbing can be marked for specific adjustment to faster re-entries
- Neoprene cuff keeps the stirrup afloat and neatly wraps for secure storage
- Large thumb hook attaches easily to deck lines or PFD for secure rapid access
U-Link Contact Tow by North Water
Neoprene wrap provides this already elegant multi-tool a quick, simple and effective wrap to keep both you and the tool organized for when the time comes and you need it.
- Re-entry is easier with the confident feel of the solid sinking foot stirrup.
- Attaches to deck lines for your Kayak or Leash Plug on your SUP Board
- Stores in a deck bag or pocket.
- Stainless steel carabiners and an adjustable release buckle make an elegant solution for:
- Contact tow
- Rafting boats
- Attaching two boats in parallel
- Attaching to a dock
- A paddle leash during a rescue
- The yoke portion of a bridal tow
- High visibility yellow nylon webbing.
- Adjustable Length for easier reentry.
BilgeMaster Bilge Pump by Aqua Bound
Made in America with a stainless-steel rod, the BilgeMaster expels more water than any pump on the market.
- High-Volume - expels one gallon in less than 8 pump strokes
- Hose Fitting - designed to easily accommodate hoses with 1" inner diameter (ID)
- Floatable - high density foam sleeve
- Strong - stainless steel piston rod
- Easy to see - eye-grabbing colors
- Easy to use - ergonomic T-grip, sleek profile
- Attachable - modeled eyelet
4-Bailer by North Water
4 Key Safety Items and Two New Colours in 1 amazing product. Its a Buoyant Heaving Line, Bailing Bucket, Signaling Device, and Hi-Viz Reflector. Meets Coast Guard regulations for Human-Powered Boats under 19'-8" or 6m.
- Throw Line, Bailing Bucket, Pea-less Safety Whistle, Hi-VIZ trim
- 50' or 15m of length of 1/4" polypropylene
- Won't Crack or Break Like a Plastic Safety Kit
- Compact, flexible, easy to stuff, knot & throw
- Mesh Panel Drains and Dries Quickly
- Durable 420D Pack Cloth Bag
- Easily Clips to Boat For Secure and Quick Access
Deluxe Boat Sponge by Northwest River Supplies
This boat sponge works to remove that unwanted pool of water that manages to collect under your kayak spray skirt. Paddling in whitewater or the sea, this sponge will lift out sand and moisture from the bottom of your boat that traditional bilge pumps leave behind.
- The Deluxe Boat Sponge can absorb up to 24 ounces of water at a time.
- It can be used with a bilge pump or on its own to keep your boat dry and clean.
- Covered with terry cloth to increase water absorption.
- Dimensions 8"L x 4.5"W x 2"H
Bilge Sponge by Seals
- 7.5"L X 5.5"W X 2" Thick
- Rectangular shape
- Corded tether with hook
- High visibility International Orange color for safety
U-Link Contact Tow by North Water
Neoprene wrap provides this already elegant multi-tool a quick, simple and effective wrap to keep both you and the tool organized for when the time comes and you need it.
- Re-entry is easier with the confident feel of the solid sinking foot stirrup.
- Attaches to deck lines for your Kayak or Leash Plug on your SUP Board
- Stores in a deck bag or pocket.
- Stainless steel carabiners and an adjustable release buckle make an elegant solution for:
- Contact tow
- Rafting boats
- Attaching two boats in parallel
- Attaching to a dock
- A paddle leash during a rescue
- The yoke portion of a bridal tow
- High visibility yellow nylon webbing.
- Adjustable Length for easier reentry.
4-Bailer by North Water
4 Key Safety Items and Two New Colours in 1 amazing product. Its a Buoyant Heaving Line, Bailing Bucket, Signaling Device, and Hi-Viz Reflector. Meets Coast Guard regulations for Human-Powered Boats under 19'-8" or 6m.
- Throw Line, Bailing Bucket, Pea-less Safety Whistle, Hi-VIZ trim
- 50' or 15m of length of 1/4" polypropylene
- Won't Crack or Break Like a Plastic Safety Kit
- Compact, flexible, easy to stuff, knot & throw
- Mesh Panel Drains and Dries Quickly
- Durable 420D Pack Cloth Bag
- Easily Clips to Boat For Secure and Quick Access
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BayCreek Paddling Center, Inc.
1099 Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY 14609 / (585)288-2830