Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind on your next outing:
- Make sure you're fit and able to complete your chosen circuit. Respect your own pace. Choose an outing according to your abilities, fitness, and skills. It's important for you to be already familiar with the technical equipment you'll be using.
- Rivers present many natural hazards, including varying water levels, currents, rapids, and numerous obstacles, including logs and branches on the surface, whirlpools, logjams, overhanging and densely wooded banks, shifting gravel, and rock banks. You should be aware of these potential hazards before embarking on a trip.
- In some areas, isolation limits the use of cell phones.
- Always carry the equipment legally required by Transport Canada (PFD or lifejacket of the right size for each person; 15-metre buoyant heaving line; paddle or oar, bailer or hand pump; whistle; waterproof flashlight), and make sure it's in good working order.
- Wear your PFD at all times on, in, or near water.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly, with heavy precipitation significantly increasing the difficulty of key river sections. Heavy precipitation at the head of a river can have repercussions on its level of difficulty dozens of kilometres downstream.
- In stormy weather, take safety precautions against lightning by taking shelter in wooded areas.
- Dress appropriately for the season, and wear closed shoes with grippy soles.
- Every hour, take the time to stop in a comfortable spot or enjoy a quiet area for a drink and a bite to eat.
- Drink a minimum of two litres of water a day.
Sépaq wishes you an unforgettable outdoor experience and invites you to be Careful by nature!
Here are a few important do’s and don’ts:
- Bathing is permitted in authorized, supervised areas.
- All waste must be disposed of in the appropriate places.
- Under certain conditions, your dog could be allowed in some establishments. However, no other domestic animals are allowed. Please consult our Domestic animals section.
- National parks are governed by certain rules and guidelines.
Regulations and useful information
To minimize the risks when bathing
Supervised bathing is offered at certain Sépaq establishments and on sites designated for this purpose. We recommend that you engage in this activity only at these locations and according to the instructions in effect.
Unsupervised bathing in all other locations is at your own risk. This is not recommended as there is a considerable risk of drowning. Always remember that a waterway may present an unseen danger (steep slope, slippery bottom, etc.). Although unsupervised bathing is strongly discouraged, if you choose to do so please make sure that you are not alone or that you have informed others of your intention to bathe and that you are not impaired.
River bathing: special risks
Although the river may seem calm and safe, it is a natural environment with unexpected sources of danger and can quickly become hazardous. Despite your best efforts, the strong current can drag you down and put you at risk of drowning. The presence of eddies, unstable bottoms, branches and rocks, and variations in depth also increase the risk of drowning. In addition, be doubly vigilant near a dam.
Remember that your safety is your own responsibility.