If you’re like me, summer means paddling on our urban waterways. And, if you’re like me, the thought of getting out on the water offers freedom from your largely homebound life and the hassles of visiting crowded parks while social distancing. Many people from New Jersey and Pennsylvania consider paddling to be exercise, just like riding a bicycle or going for a walk. Ready to put in?
Not so fast. Like everything else these days, paddling in a pandemic is different, as Ali Stefanik, assistant director of Waterfront and Community Programs at the Independence Seaport Museum explained at a recent webinar hosted by the museum.
For starters, social distancing rules apply on the water as well as on land, meaning you still need to keep six feet apart from anyone outside your household. You also need to consider the challenges of physically distancing on the water before you put in.
“It’s not just the journey on the water, it’s the journey to the water. If a spot is crowded, stay home,” said Stefanik.
Wearing a mask while paddling, though, is not recommended, since it can increase the risk of drowning if you end up in the water.
Check out these safe paddling resources from American Whitewater and these from the National Safe Boating Council.
Even if you are confident that you can paddle safely, your ability to actually get on the water might ultimately depend on finding an open launch site. Many ramps and docks are closed along with the institutions that operate them.
Call ahead before you go.
