Paddle craft

When using paddle craft, you must comply with the following safety equipment requirements.

In protected waters or within 400 metres from shore

When paddling in protected water or within 400 metres of the shore we strongly recommend that you wear a lifejacket level 50S (or higher).

Between 400 metres and 2 nautical miles from shore

When paddling between 400 metres and 2 nautical miles from shore in unprotected waters, you must carry a:

• lifejacket level 50S (or higher)
• bilge pump/bailer (if your paddle craft is not self-draining)
• in date inshore distress flare kit or a registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB)

Between 2 and 5 nautical miles from shore

When paddling between 2 and 5 nautical miles from shore in unprotected waters, you must carry a:

• lifejacket level 50S (or higher).
• bilge pump/bailer (if your paddle craft is not self-draining)
• a registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB).

We also strongly recommended you carry an in date inshore distress flare kit

Over 5 nautical miles from shore

When paddling more than 5 nautical miles from shore in unprotected waters, you must carry a:

• lifejacket level 50S (or higher).
• bilge pump/bailer (if your paddle craft is not self-draining)
• registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) or personal locator beacon (PLB)
• in date inshore distress flare kit
• at least 2 red and 2 orange handheld flares that are in date
• at least 2 parachute flares that are in date
• a marine radio.

Navigation lights

When paddling during the hours of sunset and sunrise, you must carry a torch or lantern with a white light.

The light must be ready for use and shown in sufficient time to prevent a collision.

It is recommended that you display a white light at all times when paddling during the hours of sunset and sunrise.

Find out more about navigation lights.

It is important to be clearly visible while on the water.

Paddle craft are generally smaller than other vessels and sit lower in the water, making it difficult to be seen.

To improve your visibility when paddling:

• dress in bright colours
• paddle in tight formation when travelling with other paddlers
• keep a proper lookout
• stay close to shore
• keep to the starboard (right hand) side of a channel.

Before you leave home to go paddling:

• Check the latest weather update and tide information and plan your trip accordingly.
• Check all your safety equipment is in date and in working order.
• Check your paddle craft is safe and in working order.
• Check any equipment is correctly stored to assist stability.
• Consider what to do in an emergency.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.

If conducting an extended offshore voyage, consider travelling with another paddle craft or support craft and logging on and off with the local marine rescue group.

Download the Deckee app for safety, weather and location-based information to help you stay safe on the water.

The term 'swift water' or 'white water' is used to describe the state of a river after heavy rains or a dam release.

In WA, this flood state doesn't happen often and a sudden deluge can often carry fallen trees and branches with it, causing dangerous obstacles to form.

Plant growth and rocks can form additional obstacles and fast, turbulent waves, rapids and eddies form in the river challenging even experienced paddlers.

The Swift Water paddling brochure below promotes safe paddling practices and provides guidelines to foster safety in a swift water environment.