Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Safety

To paddleboard safely, wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, use the right leash for the water you're on, check the wind and water temperature, and stay close to shore until you have the skills. The U.S. Coast Guard lists the paddleboard among craft it has determined to be vessels (opens in a new tab), so treat your board like a boat.

Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are easy to start, which is part of the risk. People take them onto open water before they know how quickly wind, cold and a fall can change things.

Life jackets on a paddleboard

The numbers. In 2024, stand-up paddleboards accounted for about 5% of U.S. recreational boating deaths (opens in a new tab), or 29 people. Of the 26 who drowned, 24 were not wearing a life jacket (U.S. Coast Guard, Table 35 (opens in a new tab)).

The rules. Because a paddleboard is a vessel, federal life jacket rules can apply:

• The Coast Guard says a recreational vessel must have a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Wearable PFD for each person onboard (opens in a new tab).
• Children under 13 must wear one when a vessel is underway, with exceptions only for below deck or an enclosed cabin.
• States can set their own life jacket wear rules for all paddlecraft, which a 2023 Coast Guard policy letter (opens in a new tab) confirms. Check with your state boating agency.

Rules can differ from place to place. When in doubt, wear it. A life jacket on the board deck won't help you if you fall and hit your head, or if the board drifts away.

Which kind? Choose one you'll keep on while paddling. The Coast Guard's guide says inflatable life jackets are not for children under 16 or non-swimmers (opens in a new tab), and not for sports where you expect to go in the water. Paddleboarders fall off a lot, so read the label for paddling use, and see inflatable life jackets if you're considering one.

Leashes and where to wear them

A leash keeps your board attached to you. The Oregon State Marine Board says most paddleboards come with a leash so the paddleboard can stay within reach if the user falls off (opens in a new tab). The board floats, so it's something to hold on to.

The Oregon State Marine Board explains the trade-off:

• On still water, on a lake or other still water, this is an excellent safety tool when used in conjunction with a life jacket (opens in a new tab). The leash keeps the board within reach if you fall off.
• On moving water, the leash can be deadly (opens in a new tab). The Board says most ankle leashes are not designed for quick release, and if one tangles on rocks or downed trees, the leash could hold you underwater (opens in a new tab).
• The fix for rivers: the Board says quick-release leashes are designed for moving water and are worn around the waist or attached to the life jacket, where they are easier to grab and release.

It urges people paddling on moving water, mainly rivers, to always wear a life jacket and never wear an ankle or leg leash designed for general flatwater use (opens in a new tab).

Ask a local instructor or outfitter which leash suits your water, and practice releasing it.

Wind, weather and cold water

• Check the forecast, including wind, before you go. The NWS has marine forecasts (opens in a new tab) for coastal waters and the Great Lakes. The Coast Guard tells every boater to check the weather before you depart (opens in a new tab).
• Turn back early. If the wind picks up, or you notice you're drifting away from shore, head back right away. If you can't make progress, stay on your board and call or signal for help.
• Stay close to shore while you learn. On ocean beaches, Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue in Florida says paddleboarders going past the surfline should also consider wearing a life jacket (opens in a new tab).
• Dress for the water. The National Weather Service lists paddle boarding among activities that can lead to sudden cold-water immersion, and says to always dress for water temperature, not for air temperature (opens in a new tab). The National Center for Cold Water Safety recommends appropriate thermal protection if the water temperature is below 70F (opens in a new tab).

The Coast Guard also notes that canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards tend to be less stable and can easily capsize (opens in a new tab). Practice falling off and climbing back on in shallow water before you head out. Read cold water paddling for spring and fall trips.

Kids and pets on boards

Children. Many families put a child on the front of the board. If you do:

• A fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket on the child, every time. CDC says life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water (opens in a new tab). See life jackets for babies and children.
• A life jacket on you too. You can't help your child if you're struggling.
• Calm, shallow water close to shore, with no boat traffic.
• Short trips, with dry, warm clothes waiting on shore.
• No inflatable life jackets for children. The Coast Guard says they're not for children under 16.
• Older children on their own boards should stay within arm's reach or very close, and only after lessons.

Pets. A dog moving on the board can tip you both in. Practice on land and in shallow water first. If your dog joins you, the Safe Boating Campaign says a pet life jacket with a handle on top (opens in a new tab) makes it easier to pull your pet out of the water.

Before you launch

• Life jacket on, fitted and fastened.
• The right leash for the water.
• Weather and wind checked.
• Clothing for the water temperature.
• A whistle, and a phone in a waterproof case.
• Someone on shore knows where you're going and when you'll be back. The Coast Guard lists stand up paddlers (opens in a new tab) among the boaters who should leave a float plan. See how to file a float plan.
• No alcohol.

What you can do today

1. Choose a life jacket you'll wear while paddling with the Life jacket finder.
2. Check your leash. If you paddle rivers, switch to a quick-release waist leash.
3. Take a short online course, such as the American Canoe Association's Smart Start for Safe Paddling (opens in a new tab), then an on-water lesson.
4. Practice falling off and climbing back on in shallow, calm water.
5. Read kayak and canoe safety for more on capsizing, cold water and float plans.