Do you need to know how swim kayak?

Knowing how to swim is essential for kayaking for safety reasons. Here's a summary of why being able to swim while kayaking is important:

1. Safety in Water: Kayaking takes place on water, and there's always a chance of capsizing or falling out of your kayak. While wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is crucial, knowing how to swim gives you an added layer of safety should you end up in the water.

2. Recovering Your Kayak: If you overturn or your kayak drifts away, being able to swim allows you to retrieve it. Swimming after a kayak is usually easier than trying to walk or wade in deeper waters, especially if the bottom is muddy or cluttered with obstacles.

3. Staying Afloat: If your kayak capsizes, knowing how to swim enables you to stay afloat and wait for help. You can use swimming techniques to stabilize yourself, conserve energy, and reduce panic in the water.

4. Navigating Currents: In certain water conditions, such as rivers with strong currents, knowing how to swim can help you navigate safely. If your kayak gets swept away, swimming can help you reach a safe area or maneuver towards a rescue point.

5. Emergencies: In unforeseen emergencies where your kayak is no longer a viable means of transportation or if there are hazards on the water, swimming skills may be necessary for survival or rescuing others.

Swimming also makes kayaking more enjoyable by allowing you to take breaks and swim alongside your kayak or explore areas that are inaccessible by boat.

Here are some additional tips related to swimming while kayaking:

- Wear a properly fitting PFD at all times while kayaking.

- Take kayaking lessons or practice in calm waters to build confidence in your swimming and kayaking abilities.

- Don't go kayaking alone, especially if you're a beginner or venturing into unfamiliar waters.

- Be aware of your surroundings, weather conditions, and potential hazards before you embark on a kayaking trip.

- Stay calm and assess the situation if you find yourself in the water. Use your swimming skills to your advantage.

Remember, safety should always be your top priority when kayaking, and knowing how to swim is an essential part of being a safe and responsible kayaker.