2025-Jul-31
Visibility Matters - Be Seen on the Water!
Close calls on the water can turn into life-or-death situations in mere seconds. A recent boat crash in Muskoka that left a swimmer with life-threatening injuries serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with water activities and the importance of prioritizing safety measures, including increased visibility.
For the past three years, Martha Robinette, founder of ICU Safety Aware, has been on a mission to reduce accidents on the water. After her own harrowing experience with a float plane on her paddleboard, Robinette, recognized the importance of being visible to pilots, boaters, and other watercraft. She created a line of lightweight neon pink and orange hats and holographic paddle stickers to help make paddlers more visible.
Tips to Be More Visible On Water
For Paddlers:
- Wear bright colors, such as hi-vis florescent/neon and bright life jackets
- Use reflective tape or stickers on your paddle blade and PFD
- Attach a waterproof flashlight or glow stick to your PFD or board at night
- Remember to always watch your back and do frequent checks for oncoming traffic
For Swimmers:
Wear brightly colored swim caps and consider swimsuits, wetsuits and rash guards with high visibility features or neon colors like yellow, pink, or orange
- Use tow floats, which are brightly colored and can significantly improve visibility
- Apply reflective tape to wrists or ankles to enhance visibility, particularly in low-light conditions
Taking steps to be seen is just one more way you can take action to stay safe on the water.
Visit icusafetyaware.com to learn more about the initiative and shop for high-visibility gear.