Type III PFD, Whistle & Bilge Pump Rig

Wear the right life jacket, carry a signal and keep water out of your boat.

Beginner

4 min

TYPE III PFD, WHISTLE & BILGE PUMP RIG
[ ] USCG Life Vest
[ ] Pea-less Safety Whistle
[ ] Hand Bilge Pump
[ ] Sponge

USCG Life Vest (Type III): the owner's spec. Type III is a Coast Guard life jacket category for calm water where quick rescue is likely. Check the label for approval, size and rated use.
Pea-less Safety Whistle: a whistle without a ball inside, so it keeps working when wet. Keep it on a short lanyard.
Hand Bilge Pump: sized to fit your cockpit. Stow it where you can reach it while seated.

Wear your life jacket, do not just carry it. A PFD that is stowed in the boat is not much use after you capsize. Why it matters: cold water and shock can take away your strength and your breath in seconds.
Dress for the water. Cold water is dangerous even on a warm day. Check the water temperature, and wear layers that still insulate when wet. Check current guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org).
Know your rescue plan. Practice getting back into your kayak in calm water with a partner nearby, before you need it. Stay with your boat if you capsize, and use the whistle to signal for help.

Gear types only.

Life jacket made for paddling, with a Coast Guard approval label
Pea-less whistle
Manual bilge pump
Sponge
Waterproof phone case
Wild Dirt stickers for your boat or paddle (sticker category)

Life jacket, whistle, light and other required gear rules for kayaks and paddlecraft vary by state, waterway and sometimes by season, so check current local rules before you launch. Start with the U.S. Coast Guard (uscgboating.org) and your state boating agency, and the managing agency for the water: nps.gov, fs.usda.gov or your state park website.

The best day on the water is one that ends dry and on time. Wear the vest, test the whistle and paddle smart. Built by explorers, for the trail.

Life jacket (PFD)

USCG Life Vest: look for the U.S. Coast Guard approval label inside
Check the label for the size, weight range and type
Wear it, zipped and buckled, whenever you are on the water
Try the fit: lift the shoulders of the vest. It should not ride up over your chin or ears
Check straps, zips and foam for tears, mildew or damage before each trip

Signal

Pea-less Safety Whistle tied to your PFD where you can reach it
Test it before you launch
Phone or radio in a waterproof case, if you carry one

Keep it dry

Hand Bilge Pump stowed within reach from the cockpit
Sponge for the last of the water
Test the pump at home so you know how it works
Check that hoses and seals are not cracked

Plan the paddle

Check the forecast, wind and water conditions
Check water temperature and dress for the water, not the air
Tell someone your launch spot, route and return time
Paddle with a partner when you can

Before launch

Check the hull for cracks or damage
Stow loose gear so it cannot float away

Life jacket (PFD)

USCG Life Vest: look for the U.S. Coast Guard approval label inside
Check the label for the size, weight range and type
Wear it, zipped and buckled, whenever you are on the water
Try the fit: lift the shoulders of the vest. It should not ride up over your chin or ears
Check straps, zips and foam for tears, mildew or damage before each trip

Signal

Pea-less Safety Whistle tied to your PFD where you can reach it
Test it before you launch
Phone or radio in a waterproof case, if you carry one

Keep it dry

Hand Bilge Pump stowed within reach from the cockpit
Sponge for the last of the water
Test the pump at home so you know how it works
Check that hoses and seals are not cracked

Plan the paddle

Check the forecast, wind and water conditions
Check water temperature and dress for the water, not the air
Tell someone your launch spot, route and return time
Paddle with a partner when you can

Before launch

Check the hull for cracks or damage
Stow loose gear so it cannot float away