Wear your life jacket.
Always wear your life jacket. If you own at boat, invest in a comfortable pfd so you won't mind wearing it.
Prepare for your trip.
Check the weather, dress appropriately, know the distances and how long it will take you to paddle to the next access. Bridges and accesses are marked by river miles, which start with “0” where it enters the Mississippi River.
Check water levels.
High and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous, even for experienced paddlers.
Be aware of logs and brush piles just below the surface.
If you tip, stay on the upstream side of the boat and walk it to shore or calm shallows before getting back in. Never position yourself in the water between a canoe and a downstream obstacle.
