Stand-Up Paddle Boards are considered vessels by the Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police. When used as a transit vessel and NOT as a surf board a #SUP paddler MUST have a lifejacket on board and have a whistle. Wear the life jacket to be safe. Having an ankle leash might be a good idea as well but leashes are not required safety equipment.

The Coast Guard and MNRP can return you to port of you are found without safety equipment. You also place yourself at great risk when deep-water paddling without a lifejacket or a sound device.

The life jacket floats and you don't

Remember the "Famous Last Words" syndrome from which some paddlers suffer. When asked where their lifejacket is they say, "But I can swim!" Our response usually is, "Yes, but for how long."

Now is a good time to get your SUP, kayak, and canoe safety gear ready for the season.

Across the USA paddle-craft accidents are not seeing a reduction. Paddle craft deaths are a grave concern. So much so, that in our Twitter feed we remind everyone of every paddle craft accident we are aware of regardless of location.

Don't take unacceptable risks.

Join a paddle organization near you like the Chesapeake Paddlers Assn (http://www.cpakayaker.com/), or the club at the Calvert Marine Museum. Paddle with a group and learn from the experts. There may be other paddling clubs in Southern Maryland as well. The point is that be learning how to paddle safely you improve your skill level and avoid putting yourself in danger.