Overview
A float plan (also known as a paddle plan) is a safety practice that communicates your water excursion details to a responsible person on shore. For short trips, this may be as simple as a conversation and timer, while extended journeys require detailed written information. In both cases, the goal is the same: ensuring someone knows when and where to send help if you don’t return as expected.
Short Trip Float Plan
For brief outings close to shore or in familiar waters:
- Basics: Tell a friend or family member where you’re going and when you expect to return
- Timer method: Have your contact set a timer on their phone for your expected return time
- Check-in procedure: Agree to call or text them when you safely return
- Follow-up: If they don’t hear from you by the set time, have them try calling you
- Escalation: Agree on how long to wait (typically 30-60 minutes) before they contact authorities
- Essential information: Even for short trips, briefly share:
- Your destination
- Who is with you
- What you’re wearing
- Description of your vessel
Extended Trip Float Plan
For longer trips or in remote areas, include:
- Full name(s) of all participants
- Mobile phone number(s): Ensure phones are fully charged
- Marine radio (VHF) channel: Ensure radios are fully charged
- Emergency contact(s): Names and mobile numbers
- Detailed itinerary:
- Intended route with planned stops
- Estimated departure and arrival times for each leg
- Expected duration of the entire voyage
- Launch and destination locations
- Vessel description: Type of craft(s), color, and length
- Personal description: Clothing description, especially colors
- Vehicle information: License plate number, model, and color
- Emergency procedure: Specify when your float plan guardians should notify authorities and provide local and USCG authority contacts
Choose two responsible adults as guardians of your float plan. Print a copy and leave it on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Safety Guidelines
- Check weather forecasts before departing
- Deviate from your float plan only for safety reasons
- Know and respect your personal limitations, experience level, and fitness
- Always wear appropriate safety gear, regardless of trip length