First Aid Kits & Survival Kits for Kayaking & Canoeing

First Aid Kits & Survival Kits are a good idea for all paddlers, whether you are in a kayak, a canoe or a raft. You can carry a basic first aid kit for short float trips but you will have to add to it for longer more secluded trips. You may also consider making your own first aid kit. You may need to carry a survival kit especially if you are going to paddle, hike or camp in remote areas.

Whether you purchase a first aid kit or survival kit, or make your own, be sure to enclose your kit in a watertight or waterproof container or bag.

Here is a basic list of what should be included in your first aid kit:

Waterproof container to hold the contents of your first aid kit
Band Aids
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Antibiotic cream
Sunscreen lotion
Prescription medication
Bug bite cream
Antiseptic wipes
Tweezers
Antihistamine
Alcohol wipes
First Aid manual
Emergency phone numbers
Whistle
Mouth barrier for CPR

You will need to add to your first aid kit depending on your personal experiences, needs, length of trip, number of people in your party, and paddling environment. You may also consider building or purchasing a survival kit too, especially if you are intending to paddle, hike or camp in remote areas.

You can purchase a ready made first aid kit or put one together yourself. Just make sure you check the kit regularly and replace any used or expired supplies. You may also want to take a first aid course so you will know how to use the contents of your kit. If you haven’t taken a first-aid course recently, take a refresher course - as first aid procedures change. Your local Red Cross should offer first aid and CPR courses.

Just remember whether you kayak, canoe, raft or participate in other outdoor activities, you should always bring a first aid kit along.