​For adventure seeking souls on float trips, there’s nothing like the adrenaline rush from cliff diving. Yet every summer injuries and deaths are reported because of it. Whether your friends dare you to do it or you took the initiative yourself, it’s always important to remember that jumping off a cliff is dangerous. Cliff diving should only be done under expert supervision when you’re a beginner. In fact, it should never be done alone, no matter how experienced you think you are. Here are some tips for cliff diving.

Before you jump, make sure there’s a significant amount of water underneath the cliff. If the drop is 30-40 feet, you’ll need water that’s at least 12 feet deep. This water also needs to be free of objects like rocks, logs and other debris found in rivers and streams. You’ll need to take wave action into account too. Be sure that when the wave is out you still have the minimum amount of water depth below you. And a little research goes a long way. You can check out the World High Diving Federation guidelines for height and depth measurements to reduce your risk for bruises, broken bones, concussion, dislocated joints, compressed spine, injured discs, paralysis and even death. You can also ask boaters, locals and other jumpers who have already jumped off the same cliff. These experienced jumpers may also have some tips they can share. There are also laws regarding certain cliffs. Make sure you’re aware of those before you jump too.

Cliff diving requires secure and aerodynamic bathing suits. This gear needs to stay on when you land in the water! Soft cloth shorts and tennis shoes are good for cliffs over 30 feet. But a wetsuit is ideal since it provides impact cushioning between your skin and the water when you hit the surface. Leave your glasses with your friends and you can wear contacts provided you can keep your eyes shut until your surface.

When you’re cliff diving, the last thing you want are any surprises. That’s why you should have your friends, at least two snorkelers, swim underneath the cliff as “spotters” for possible dangers. They need to look for hidden rocks, branches, tree limbs or any other objects that could injure you when you jump and hit the water. You’ll also want to check the cliff itself for any obstacles like any snags, parts jutting out or anything that could break your fall. Additionally, you should check for the safest way back to shore so you can avoid riptides and other rocks. And never underestimate the wind either. Enough wind could slam you back into the cliff.

Another factor that makes cliff diving so dangerous is the speed of impact. If you jump from 20 feet above the water, you’ll hit the water at 25 mph. As resilient as the human body is, such velocity can compress your spine, break your bones and even cause a concussion. This is why the World High Diving Federation recommends that cliff dives of 65.5 feet or higher only take place with professional scuba divers positioned in the water.

If the above safety criterion have been met, you’re almost ready to make a great jump. But do you know how to properly dive? The problem is too many people think they know when in reality they don’t. When cliff diving you need to propel yourself off the cliff, using your knees as a propulsion unit. You should stand erect, with your feet together, arms raised straight above your head and your knees bent. Next, bring your arms down at hip level and sweep them forward as you drive forward with your legs. When you leap straight out, your body should be perpendicular to the water. On your way down arch your back so gravity can pull you to a vertical position. Your goal in the air is to be as straight as possible, like a pencil. Once you’re straight, raise your arms over your head and make a fist with your right hand, locking your left hand over it and pointing your toes to the water. Never attempt to land on your face, stomach or bottom as you risk serious injury. Once you’ve hit the water you should stretch out your legs and arms and arch your back. This keeps you from sinking too deep in the water. Swim to the surface and wave to your friends to let them know you’re okay.

Whether you wear one on a cruise ship for a muster drill or on a float trip in a canoe, most of us think we know how to properly wear a life jacket.  The sad truth is that most of us don’t.  Manufacturers make life jackets, also known as a PFD (personal floatation device), according to a person’s size and weight.  Fitting a life jacket properly will help to keep your head above water, saving your life.  But when a life jacket is too large it will ride up around your face and when it’s too small it won’t have enough flotation to keep you afloat.  Taking the following steps to ensure your life jacket fits properly offers you and your family the best chance of survival if the worst happens on your next float trip.

Types of Life Jackets

A variety of life jackets are available in today’s marketplace with some designed for angling, water sports and others that are multipurpose.  There are belt packs, inflatables and hybrid (a combination of traditional flotation and inflatable technology).  Inflatable life jackets are a popular choice among families taking float trips is because they are lightweight, cool and comfortable.  In fact, many who wear them forget they have one on.  But if you’re ejected from a canoe, raft or boat, the life jacket will inflate as soon as it hits the water, making inflatable life jackets ideal for most boating activities.  Others prefer vest life jackets or water sports life jackets because plenty of belts and clasps keeps this lighter weight jacket secure when hitting the water.  When it comes to choosing life jackets for children and infants, look for one that supports a child’s head while floating in the water as well as one that includes straps for pulling them from the water.  And don’t forget your pets either.  Many families bring pets along on their float trips.  Pet life jackets are secured around them using straps and come in many sizes, styles and colors.

Shopping for and Testing a Life Jacket

When shopping for life jackets, check the label for your size and weight.  While the manufacturer’s label typically shows whether the life jacket was made for an adult or a child, you’ll also want to choose one that supports your size and weight.  Once you find the right size, try it on, fastening all the straps.  Many life jackets for children have straps that go underneath the person for additional stability.  Be sure to tighten the straps firmly leaving none of them loose.

At this point you’re ready to test the life jacket.  It’s helpful to have someone shop with you who can help with testing a life jacket.  While you hold your arms straight over your head have the person with you pull on the tops of the arm openings.  If the life jacket rides over your chin or face, you’ll know it’s too big and you should try the next smaller size.  Try on the next smaller size and sit down with the life jacket on.  If it rides up again it’s still too big.  This is the same test that you should use with your children.  When a life jacket is too big your child could slip out of the life jacket.  This is why it’s important to find a life jacket that is the right size for your weight while fitting snugly.

Before your family’s next float trip be sure to purchase and properly fit your life jackets.  The life you save might just be your own.

While black bear encounters are rare in Missouri, it’s better to err on the side of caution, taking the necessary steps to keep them away from your campsite. Here are some safety tips.

Keep your campsite clean. Your pots and pans, utensils and any other items that come into contact with food will attract bears if you keep them out in the open. Keep food and any items that come into contact with food in your car.

As soon as everyone is done eating clean all your utensils and cooking items and never pitch cooking grease or any other food residues into the campfire. The smell of cooked foods will only attract bears.
State parks have bear-proof containers or dumpsters that prevent bears from smelling or gaining access to food. Place your garbage in these designated containers or dumpsters. Never burn or bury your garbage either because bears will dig it up.

Avoid eating or cooking in your tent. The last place you want to encounter a bear is in your tent which is why storing food or other attractants in tents or in your sleeping bags is a bad idea. If you’re backpacking, store these items in your backpack, suspending the backpacks from trees.

Bears have an acute sense of smell and though it’s hard to believe, bears are also attracted to non-food items like deodorant, soap and even gum. So treat these items as food when you’re on your next float trip.
If your pet is camping with you, keep your dog on a leash. Store their food in an airtight container in your car, keeping the container sealed after every use. Be sure to clean up any leftovers or scraps of food after your dog has finished eating. This too can attract bears. Your cooler should be kept in your car’s trunk or truck cab, concealed from view since bears associate coolers with food.

When planning your float trip menu prepare meals that will generate as little garbage as possible. The less garbage you have, the fewer smells you’ll create that could attract bears to your campsite.

If you do see any wild animals at or near your campsite, you should avoid contact with them and never attempt to feed them. This will only make them more attracted to this campsite in the future, causing them to bother future guests and even be considered a nuisance to the point that rangers may be forced to euthanize them. So by avoiding contact with them in the first place, you may be saving the animal’s life. And you should never approach black bears. They are extremely dangerous.

If you plan to do some hiking, bears are usually prompted to leave by normal trail noise before humans can actually see them. When you’re in a berry patch, keep a look out for bears as they are likely to venture into these areas. If you see a bear, don’t approach it and only observe it from a distance. Clap, talk, sing or make other noises so the bear is aware of your presence. If you ever encounter a bear at close range, remain calm and stay standing upright. Don’t look the bear directly in the eye. Speak in a calm, assertive and assured voice as you back up slowly to leave the area.

If a bear comes into your campsite, remain calm and make the bear aware of your presence. Some campers have thrown rocks, banged pots and pans, waved their arms and used airhorns to scare bears away. Don’t feed bears and be sure they have an escape route. If the bear swats at the ground, snaps or pops its jaws or utters a series of huffs you are too close and need to slowly back away. Move to a car or building as soon as possible if the bear won’t go away. Notify park rangers and authorities if the bear is aggressive. While black bears rarely attack people, you should be prepared in the event that one does. Black bears are intimidated by counter attacks so fighting the bear aggressively with anything close by like pots and pans or sticks or your fists can help you to get out of a dangerous situation.

This spring and summer many people will be reluctant to go on a float trip because of their fear of snakes.  Missouri’s snakes play a vital role in nature, eating other animals like mice, and disease carrying rats, lizards, toads and frogs while serving as a source of food for hawks, owls, mink, skunks and herons.  Unfortunately, many people are afraid of snakes, frequently killing those that are harmless.  The more you know about snakes, the more you’ll appreciate their role in nature and overcome your fear of them.

Missouri is home to 51 different species and subspecies of snakes.  Snakes are reptiles, with bodies that are covered in scales and the same temperature as their surroundings.  Half of them lay eggs while half give birth to young that are completely developed.  All snakes can swim and shed their skin as they grow, three to five times a year.  Snakes are legless and have no external ear opening.  Harmless snakes will bite to defend themselves, merely leaving simple scratches.

Venom

What scares most people about snakes is venom.  Missouri’s venomous snakes are members of the pit viper family.  These snakes have a characteristic pit between their eye and nostril on both sides of their heads.  Venomous pit viper snakes have elliptical shaped pupils and a pair of well-developed fangs.  People often mistakenly identify snakes as poisonous because of a triangular shaped head, especially when many harmless snakes like the water snake, garter snake and hognose snake can flatten their heads and appear triangular in shape.  Harmless snakes lack the pit and fangs venomous snakes have and their pupils are round.  The most common venomous snake in Missouri is the copperhead.  Other venomous snakes include the Osage and southern copperhead, cottonmouth, massasauga rattlesnake, western pygmy rattlesnake and timber rattlesnake.  So far, there is no record of anyone dying in Missouri from a copperhead bite.

Benefits of Missouri’s Snakes

Missouri’s beneficial snake species needs more than just understanding and needless killings by misinformed people to survive.  Shelters like brush piles, rock piles and logs provide snakes with the security and the availability of mice, native rats, lizards, toads and frogs they need.  Building ponds near forested areas that are well maintained will also benefit many kinds of snakes.  Missouri’s snakes are as much a part of the landscape as its squirrels and deer.  By the same token, there are simple ways to discourage snakes from coming near buildings and campsites.  Avoid keeping burlap, dump heaps, piles of boards or rocks, fence posts, slabs of bark or scrap corrugated steel roofing near buildings and campsites as they provide hiding places for snakes and the food they eat.  Keeping areas tidy is the best way to keep snakes away from the premises.  You should also check for any openings around doors and low windows where snakes could enter.  If you do encounter a harmless snake, use a hoe or stick to relocate the snake unharmed in an isolated, safe habitat.

Encountering snakes along Missouri’s rivers and campsites is rare.  You can do your part to avoid such encounters by keeping your campsite free of debris and piles of bark, rocks and boards that attract snakes and their prey.  A better understanding of snakes can help you to overcome your fear and better enjoy your Missouri float trip.

Fires and camping are as inseparable as coffee and cream.  Camping just isn’t camping without a campfire.  Whether roasting marshmallows or hotdogs, keeping warm from a crisp evening’s chill or to light our surroundings, a campfire provides that one of a kind camping experience.  Today’s campfires are fueled by wood, propane and white gas.  Abide by the necessary safety precautions and a campfire can be enjoyed by all.  But ignoring or failing to observe the right precautions can be extremely dangerous.  Follow these campfire safety tips to keep you and your fellow campers safe when enjoying the outdoors.

Before you build a fire, you should know all the rules regarding campfires at your campsite.  In certain regions campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and you should never bring your own firewood.  Fires may be prohibited due to dry or unfavorable conditions.  Warnings from government agencies are in place for good reason and should be heeded.  Don’t build a fire if it’s dry or windy.  Many campsites have fire rings available.  If one is not available, you should choose a site for your campfire that’s a safe distance away from grass, trees and tents.  Clear ground litter, twigs, leaves and any organic material down to bare soil at least 10 feet around your campfire.  If possible, encircle the campfire pit with rocks.  Be sure to your site is upwind from the sleeping area to prevent any sparks or embers from catching tents or sleeping bags on fire.

When it comes to starting your campfire, avoid using gasoline or other petroleum-based products which are highly explosive.  Build your fire in stages first with small pieces of kindling, then piling small pieces of wood on top of the kindling and then by adding larger pieces of wood.  Keep your fire size manageable, with a pail of sand or water close by, and a shovel in case you need to control or extinguish the fire.  Extra firewood should be kept away from the flames, stowed upwind from the fire.  As long as the campfire is burning, someone should attend it, keeping a watchful eye for any flying sparks or embers that might land on anything flammable and any sudden gusts of wind that can spread a fire.  Extinguish the fire if conditions become unsafe, if you have to leave the campsite and before you go to bed.  To properly extinguish a campfire it must be drowned with water.  You must be sure that all embers, coals and wood pieces are wet, even soaked.  Be sure to use a shovel to turn all rocks and logs and douse any hot coals beneath them.  Any burning material should be extinguished and cooled.

Campfires are not the only source of many forest fires.  When using stoves, lanterns and heaters, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.  Be sure all connections are tight.  To check for any leaks, put soapy water on connections.  If the soapy water bubbles, gas is seeping out and the connection will need to be repaired.  Before using stoves, lanterns or heaters, replenish the fuel supply, using a funnel to avoid spilling liquid fuels.  Refuel only when the stove, lantern or heater is cool, a safe distance from campfires, grills and open flame and always outside and away from tents and campers.  Keep flammable liquids and fuel cylinders a safe distance from your tent or camper.  Fuel lanterns and stoves should never be used inside a tent.  Battery operated lights and lanterns are a much safer option.  Only use appliances in open areas away from flammable materials.  Any cooking should be done outside, with fire extinguishers well within reach.

Safe campfires, stoves, lanterns and heaters are always attended with campers following government and manufacturer suggestions.  Keep your fires small and manageable with fire extinguishers, a bucket of sand or water and shovel nearby.

Going on a float trip can be an exciting way to experience nature. People come from all over the country just to enjoy floating on the beautiful rivers and streams that wind there way through the woods of Missouri. Floaters will generally see a vast variety of landscapes from jetting cliffs, pristine woods and even caves.

Missouri is home to some 6,300 caves at last count. By having a vast number of caves, many floaters can view them while paddling down the rivers. Just like the wildlife, caves should only be viewed from afar. Even though it may be tempting to explore a cave, these unique formations can be deadly.

In Missouri, the common saying is “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes and it will change.” Thunderstorms can pop up at anytime, dumping large amounts of rain in a matter of minutes. Not only does this cause flash flooding in the Missouri waterways, it also causes flash flooding in caves. In an instant the caves that were once dry can quickly become filled to the top with rushing water.

Missouri caves support over 900 species of wildlife including, or course, bats. These species are called cave-dependent because their habitat is limited. Many of these species are sensitive to changes in their environment. For this reason, protecting these cave environments is critical to the survival of cave-dependent species. When humans go into a cave, they can cause serious damage to the cave ecosystem without even realizing it.

In ancient times, many Native American and prehistoric tribes used caves for shelter or religious reasons. They left behind paintings and items from their daily life. There are even many cave sites that contain ancient artifacts that are yet to be discovered. Since the state is abundant with caves, many are closed off to the public due to the archeological digs being done there. These artifacts can be damaged and lost due to unauthorized people entering into a cave.

The U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources all work together with scientists and cavers to help preserve and study the caves in the state. A majority of the caves are on public land. These caves fall into three classes. Class 1 caves are open to the public, Class 2 is restricted access and Class 3 is closed for various reasons. Other caves in the state are privately owned and public access is not allowed. A permit is generally required to enter many of the caves in Missouri.

If you really want a cave experience that is safe, there are many caves that offer tours. Meramec Caverns, Onondaga Cave and Fantastic Caverns for example take tours through this underground landscape. Some are even handicap accessible and children are welcome.

Next time you and a group of friends want to take a break from floating and check out a cave, do it the safe way. Many of the caves that offer tours to the public are located by popular floating destinations.

With the summer rapidly approaching, it brings with it a plethora of different bugs and one unwelcomed variety is the mosquito.  Because mosquitoes carry diseases like encephalitis and the West Nile virus, it is important to use insect repellant if you are going to be exposed to these pesky bugs for any length of time.  Some people are sensitive to the ingredients in commercial insect repellants, which is why some individuals prefer to use precautions and all natural bug repellants to ward off these tiny flying vampires.

Mosquitoes have a complex method of seeking out a host and different types of mosquitoes respond to different stimuli.  These nasty little vectors are most active at dawn and dusk, but there are also varieties which seek out a host all during the day.  There are ways a person can avoid being bitten and a good way of doing this is to make sure you are not doing anything to attract them as well.

The following is a list of mosquito attractants which a person should be aware of and avoid if at all possible:

·    Dark clothing is an attractant because mosquitoes use vision to find a host from varying distances.

·    Lactic acid is released either after a person exercises or from eating certain foods such as those containing high levels of sodium and potassium.  You should avoid working out and limit sodium in the diet before attending an outdoor event in the summer, to limit mosquito attacks.

·    Carbon dioxide is given off if a person is hot or has been exercising, burning candles, torches or having a bon fire are other ways the gas is released into the air and it will act as an attractant.

·    Skin temperature can be an attractant, but the exact temperature will depend on the type of mosquito and many are drawn by lower temperatures than higher.

·    Moisture attracts mosquitoes because of the chemicals released and because it increases humidity.  Even small amounts of water, such as moist grass, plants or standing water, will also draw mosquitoes and provides a perfect breeding ground.

·    In addition to perfume, hair care products and scented lotions and sunscreens, mosquitoes also love floral fragrances which you should avoid at all costs, lest you become a bug buffet.

For those people wanting to make their own all natural bug repellant, there are many inexpensive alternatives which will effectively repel mosquitoes, but require more frequent application (every 2-hours).  Because there are so many different types of mosquitoes, a person should use a combination of different repellants to best ward off bugs.  Natural repellants include the following:

·    Oils from verbena, lavender, pine, cajeput, basil, thyme and allspice, garlic, and soybean
·    Citronella oil
·    Lemon eucalyptus oil
·    Geranium oil
·    Cinnamon oil
·    Castor oil
·    Lemongrass oil
·    Clove oil
·    Peppermint oil
·    Rosemary oil
·    Cedar oil

Remember things like sunscreens, swimming, sweating and rain can dilute the effectiveness of natural repellants, so it is important to reapply often for maximum effectiveness.  The word natural does not always imply safe, and many people are allergic or sensitive to the oils in plant extracts, so perform a spot test before slathering any on your body.  It is important to find a combination that works for you and to remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any all natural bug repellants.

The skill of being able to read a map and compass is valuable to any person. These skills are used in most peoples every day life. Before most people head out on vacation they usually begin the trip by going over a highway map or a map that you might get off the internet or from a travel agency. Most people find it helpful to have even a simple map drawn for them when going to a new place. A simple sketch of mapped directions to a new friend’s house or even to a birthday party is helpful to find your way there. Most people will stop at the nearest service station to try and get directions to where they are going. This can be helpful as well as confusing, be sure to try and draw a picture of which ay to go, or at least right down which direction to turn. The success of any gathering rests upon how skillfully the direction are given or drawn for each person invited.

Having map and compass skills can be unique because they come in very handy in a wide range of outdoor activities. People that spend a lot of their time doing outdoor activities have a special need for these skills. Most the time their activities outside take them away from most familiar landmarks and the securities of the civilized world. Most sportsmen travel with the terrain around them and not in a straight path, if they do not have they skills they can become lost very easily. For all of us becoming lost in these types of areas can be any where from annoying to becoming tragic in no time. Besides safety, there are a lot of other uses for maps and compass skills. Fisherman as well as hunters use these skills to find direction to their favorite fishing and hunting spots. If you are seeking an outdoor profession forestry, engineering and surveying depend a lot on their ability to use a map and compass accurately.

There are a few different types of maps that can be used, but first thing we need to know is what is a map exactly. A map is more than simply a sheet of paper with lines drawn on it. A map will most likely represent a portion of the surface of the earth as we would view it from a vertical perspective. Then we will take that view and convert it to a useable size for us. The most commonly used maps are the road maps showing the transportation routes and cities. Soil maps will show us what kind of soils we will find in those areas. If we are looking for a map to show us the structure of the earth’s crust, types of rocks, and forms of life found as fossils in an area we will need a geological map to help us find the right area. To show how a portion of the earth’s surface is being used a land use map is the best map for that.

The benefits of knowing how to use maps and compasses are simply endless. No matter where you are going or what you want to explore or discover these skills are certainly needed. A map and compass function the best when you can use them together to help you fond the place you want to go. If there ever comes a day when you get lost in the city or in the woods you will be very happy you took the time to learn such skills.

Whether you are buying a first aid kit or building one, you will want to be sure keep your kit in a watertight or waterproof container or bag. If all your first aid supplies get wet and ruined they will do you no good. You will want to make sure after every trip that you check your kit before going out again and replace all the items you used. This will ensure you have all that you need. The basic items you will need are as follows:

Band aids- These come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. When going floating you will definitely need the waterproof ones. You will also want to make sure you have a lot of different shapes and sizes. Some cuts are bigger and require larger band aids. You will also consider buying the ones with the antibiotic built on them for easy use. This way you can just grab one out and be on your way.

Antibiotic Cream- Just in case the band aids you get do not have it on them you will want to bring extra. You will probably want to anyway just in case you would need extra or you run out of antibiotic band aids. Some cuts need to be uncovered and this is when the cream comes in handy.

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen- You will need these in case there are any accidents and you need something for the pain. These will also come in handy if someone starts running a fever or someone just has a headache.

Sunscreen Lotion- This is always a must if you are gonna be out in the sun on the water all day. The last thing you want on your trip is a sun burn.

Prescription medicine- This is required only if there are certain medicines that someone has to take and can not go without. This includes inhalers as well for those with asthma.
Bug bite cream- This will come in handy because you are out in nature and when night time comes the bugs come out too. You will need to apply this right away to avoid itching and making the bite worse.

Tweezers- These great tools come in very handy if you get a tick on you or if you get a splinter. There are endless uses for tweezers so do not forget them.

Antihistamines- If you have any kind of allergies you will definitely want to take these. Nothing is more miserable than allergies without any help to deal with them.

Alcohol wipes- These will be needed in case someone does get a scrape or scratch, it will need to be cleaned. Having these wipes will prevent infection from happening.

Emergency phone number- Just in case something would happen you would have all the numbers you need. The best thing to do is to notify someone close what you are doing so they know where you are and what to do if something would happen to you.

Cell phone- This is not a must but always useful if needed. You will also want to be sure this is with the rest of your items in the waterproof container so it does not get ruined.

The best thing you can do before you leave is go to CPR and first aid classes. You never know when these skills will be useful. Safety comes first.

The average person would not have a hard time finding a canoe that would fit them. When you are a larger person you have to think ahead about these things. There are many types of canoes out there it is just a matter of doing your homework.

One popular choice for a two person canoe is the ten feet nine inch inflatable Colorado canoe. They have freshened up the look and made some valve changes as well. They have also added large motor mount grommets. The weight limit on this is five hundred pounds. This model comes in blue and hunter green. The Rio one person inflatable canoe features the same new look and is nine feet ten inches long and has a weight limit of three hundred fifty. The double person pointer K2 series also can be paddled solo with an optional spray skirt and spray deck attachment system. This canoe is fourteen feet two inches long and has a weight limit of 600 pounds.

Feather Canoes has come up with what they call the big mac. This is a light weight canoe to be enjoyed by someone who could not use the Wee lassie or wee lassie two because of their size. Most of the people who built this boat just wanted a good stable canoe to fish out of, and were not interested in speed. They were only wanting a lightweight boat that could handle the weight and not be so heavy to carry. This boat is asymmetrical because the stern section of the canoe are fuller then the bow. This is a good looking little canoe that is versatile enough to carry a heavier paddler. This means definitely over two hundred pounds. These are just a few to be listed. Just so you know even if you are bigger there are options and you are not restricted to land.

The offshore life jacket type one can be at times hot and bulky but this one will provide the most floatation. This jacket type will also keep most adults face up even if they are unconscious. This will be the best type of life jacket for a larger person. To be sure that this is the right jacket for you and it fits properly follow these steps.

1. Put the life jacket on and be sure all of the zippers, ties or straps are adjusted right and fastened firmly.
2. Raise your arms and have someone else pull on your shoulders.
3. If this jacket does not stay in place and rises above your mouth or nose try to adjust it better or you may need to find another model that suits you better.

You will always want to make sure you wear your life jacket just to be safe. Even the most experienced people on canoes can have problems so it is better to be safe.

There are many canoe styles for larger people available so be sure to get the one that suits you and your size.