5 Paddleboarding Must-Haves That Could Save Your Life

Paddleboarding is an exhilarating way to explore waterways, from serene lakes to rolling ocean waves. However, like any water sport, it comes with inherent risks. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, ensuring your safety on the water should always be your top priority. 

Equipping yourself with the right gear can make the difference between a fun adventure and a potentially life-threatening situation. Here are five paddleboarding essentials that could save your life.

1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)

A personal flotation device (PFD) is the most important piece of safety equipment for paddleboarders. In the U.S., the Coast Guard classifies paddleboards as vessels, meaning that wearing or carrying a PFD is often legally required in certain waters.

Types of PFDs can include:

• Inflatable Belt PFDs: Compact and ideal for experienced paddlers who want minimal restriction.
• Vest-Style PFDs: Provide maximum buoyancy and are recommended for beginners and rough waters.
• Hybrid PFDs: Combine elements of both and offer versatility.

Always ensure your PFD is Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted to your body size for maximum effectiveness.

2. Leash

A paddleboard leash is a simple but lifesaving tool that tethers you to your board, preventing it from drifting away if you fall.

This way you maintain your board in strong currents, high winds, or waves—keeping you connected, ready to remount, and out of other water users’ way.

Types of paddleboard leashes can include:

• Coiled Leash: Best for flatwater and race conditions, as it minimizes drag.
• Straight Leash: Ideal for surfing, as it keeps the leash from recoiling toward you.
• Quick-Release Leash: Essential for river paddleboarding where fast detachment is necessary in swift currents.

Always attach the leash to your ankle or calf for calm waters, or use a quick-release system when paddling in fast-moving rivers.

3. Whistle and Safety Communication Device

A safety whistle is a small but life-saving tool that can alert nearby boaters or rescue teams if you’re in distress. Some areas legally require paddleboarders to carry a sound-producing device, especially in high-traffic waters.

Additional communication devices can include:

• Waterproof Phone Case: Allows you to call for help while protecting your phone from water damage.
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): A GPS-based distress signal that alerts emergency responders in extreme situations.

Attach your whistle to your PFD or leash for easy access in case of an emergency.

4. Flashlight

Many states require paddlers to use a flashlight or lantern that produces white light if they are operating a paddleboard in limited visibility or at night. The light must be displayed to any approaching vessel in time to avoid a collision, but it should not be continually displayed.

You will also need to equip yourself with visual distress signals if you’re using a paddleboard offshore or on certain coastal waters in the nighttime.

5. A Buddy

There’s no better way to get help than to have it right there by your side.

Various paddleboard stores and clubs suggest using the buddy system when you head out to the water. Having another person or a group of people around could prove helpful during an emergency situation, according to the News-Press.

If you find yourself solo on the water, make sure you have informed a family member or friend of your plans, not unlike filing a Float Plan.

Bonus Tips for Paddleboarding Safety

There are also best practices beyond the board that can keep you out of harm’s way.

Check Weather Conditions 

Avoid paddling in strong winds, storms, or extreme currents. Before getting into the water, make sure you have clear skies ahead.

Inform Someone of Your Plans

Let a friend or family member know where you’re paddling and when you plan to return.

Stay Within Your Limits

Know your skill level and avoid pushing beyond your abilities—especially if venturing out on your own.

Practice Self-Rescue Techniques

Be your own hero. Learn how to remount your board and assist others in distress.

What Should I Do if I’m in a Paddleboarding Accident?

If you're in a paddleboarding accident, staying calm and following the right steps can significantly improve your chances of safety and recovery. Here’s what you should do:

1. Assess the Situation

Check yourself for injuries. If you’re hurt, try to stay as still as possible to avoid worsening the injury. Look around for hazards like rocks, strong currents, or boats that may pose additional risks.

If others are involved, assess their condition and call for help if needed.

 

2. Stay With Your Board

Your paddleboard is your best flotation device. Hold onto it to stay afloat. If you’re in open water or strong currents, staying with your board increases visibility and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.

 

3. Use Your Safety Equipment

Signal for help. Blow your whistle in a pattern of three short bursts to signal distress. Call emergency services if you’re in immediate danger.
 

If you're far from shore, activate a PLB to send your GPS location to rescuers.

 

4. Get Back on Your Board (If Possible)

Position yourself next to the board, near the center. Grab the handle and kick your legs while pulling yourself onto the board. Once on, lay flat or kneel until you're stable before standing up again.

 

5. Move Toward Safety

If you can, paddle towards the nearest safe location—shore, a dock, or a boat. If you’re caught in a current, paddle perpendicular to it to escape instead of fighting against it.

 

6. If You’re Separated From Your Board

If you're wearing a PFD, stay calm and float while signaling for help. Tread water and conserve energy if rescue is nearby. If no help is coming, swim slowly and steadily toward the safest nearby location.

 

7. Seek Medical Attention If Needed

Even minor injuries like cuts or bruises should be cleaned to avoid infection. If you hit your head or swallowed a lot of water, get checked for possible concussions or secondary drowning symptoms (trouble breathing, coughing, fatigue).

 

8. Report the Incident (If Necessary)

If the accident involved another vessel, report it to local authorities or the Coast Guard. If equipment failure caused the accident, consider documenting it for insurance or legal purposes.

By staying prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency, you can keep yourself and others safe while enjoying your paddleboarding adventures. 

Paddleboard Injury? Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Despite our best efforts, accidents can and do happen.

When someone else’s negligence or recklessness causes an accident that hurts you, however, then they should take responsibility.

If you were injured paddleboarding—or doing anything else—due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that you have because of the accident.

Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest personal injury law firm, and we have fought For the People for over 35 years, recovering over $25 billion in the process. If you’ve been injured, contact us today. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.