Safety

We have paddled in sunshine, cold, snow, and strong wind. Please come prepared for changing fall conditions, including cold temperatures, wind, rain, or snow.

If conditions feel unsafe for your skill level, equipment, or comfort, please make the safest choice for yourself.

Every participant on the water must have a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.

Please also bring a whistle and any other safety gear required for your watercraft. Safety equipment is not optional.

According to Colorado Boating Safety:

Life Jackets

It’s required to have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board. Life jackets should be readily available to all passengers and in good and serviceable condition. Each life jacket must be the correct size to fit the person who will wear it. Children 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a life jacket whenever their vessel is on the water, except when they are in an enclosed cabin or below deck. Life jackets should always be used according to the manufacturer's label. When in doubt, read the label, and if you can no longer read the label, then the life jacket is no longer in good condition. 

Inflatable Life Jackets

Inflatable life jackets are approved for use by people 16 years and older. They must be used in accordance with their label and are not approved for personal watercraft, white water paddling or towed sports.

October water and air temperatures can be cold, even when the day starts out calm or sunny.

Wear layers you can move in, and consider neoprene, wetsuits, booties, gloves, or other cold-weather gear. Bring dry clothes and a towel for after the paddle.

Witch Paddle is a community paddle, not a race.

You do not need to paddle farther, faster, or longer than feels safe. If you are cold, tired, uncomfortable, or conditions change, please return to shore.

Children may ride on a participant’s board if they are registered, wearing a properly fitting life jacket, and able to safely follow instructions.

The adult participant is fully responsible for the child’s safety, comfort, and participation on the water.

Costumes and board decorations are encouraged, but they must be safe.

Please avoid anything that blocks your vision, limits your movement, creates a tripping hazard, catches too much wind, drags in the water, or interferes with paddling, balance, swimming, or getting on and off your board.

You are responsible for monitoring your own body, equipment, and comfort level throughout the event.

If you feel cold, dizzy, fatigued, overwhelmed, unstable, or unsafe for any reason, please return to shore.