Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Kayak and canoe instructions for guests (template)

Kayaks and canoes are a big draw for a lakeside or riverside stay, and they come with real risk. Cold water, sudden wind and paddlers who don't wear a life jacket are behind most of the bad days on the water.

This template sets out the safety basics first: life jackets, checking the weather, telling someone your plan and staying near shore. Then it covers where the boats and paddles are, how to launch, local hazards and what to do if you capsize. Fill in your water, your hazards and your rules.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Before you go

Everyone wears a life jacket, done up and fitted, the whole time you're on the water. Sizes for adults and children are in [Life jacket location].
Check the weather and wind at [Weather source]. Please stay off the water in strong wind, whitecaps, fog or thunderstorms, and head in at the first thunder.
Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. You can text us at [Host phone] or write it on [Float plan spot].
The water can be cold even in summer. Stay close to shore.
No alcohol or cannabis before or while paddling.

The boats

Kayaks and canoe: [Boat location]. Paddles: [Paddle location]. [Lock note, e.g. combination Lock code].
A whistle, bailer and throw rope are in [Safety kit location]. Please take them with you.
[Who can use them, e.g. Children under 12 with an adult only. Daylight hours only.]

Launching

Carry the boats to [Launch spot] with two people. Please don't drag them over rocks.
Kayak: sit down first, then bring your legs in.
Canoe: step into the centre, keep low and hold both sides.

Areas to avoid

[Hazards, e.g. the dam at the north end, the river current past the bridge, the boat channel, shallow rocks by the point.]

If you tip over

Stay with the boat. It floats and is easier to spot than a swimmer.
If you're close to shore, kick or paddle the boat in. Don't try to swim a long way in cold water.

When you're back

Pull the boats up past the waterline, flip them over, and bring paddles and life jackets back to [Where they go].

Emergency

Call [Emergency number]. Our address: [Address for emergency calls]

Tips

Provide properly sized life jackets for every possible guest, including small children, and check buckles and straps each season.
Name the real local hazards; generic warnings don't help someone near a dam or a river current.
Set clear rules about children, alcohol and paddling after dark.
Check the boats and paddles for cracks before the season and after any storm.
Check your insurance covers guest use of boats before you offer them.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

Do guests have to wear life jackets in a kayak?

Wearing one is the safest choice every time, and in many places it's required to have one aboard. Most hosts make it a firm condition of using the boats.

What should a guest do if their canoe tips over?

Stay with the boat, since it floats and is easy to see. If they're near shore, they can push it in; in cold water they shouldn't try to swim a long way.

Should I let guests use my kayaks?

Many hosts do, with good life jackets, written rules and a check that their insurance covers it. Some ask guests to sign a short acknowledgement first.

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https://keegix.com/house-manual/kayak-and-canoe/