Keep an eye on the weather, especially on larger lakes such as Mille Lacs, Leech, Lake of the Woods, or Superior. If you are caught in rough weather, put on your PFD, keep low in your boat and head for the closest shore. In heavy waves, your boat handles best when you head into the waves at an angle. Whitewater canoeing is not a sport for the beginning canoeist. Learn whitewater techniques from experts, wear your PFD at all times, and use common sense in shooting rapids.
Inflatable toys are no substitutes for swimming skills.
Learn how to swim. Know your swimming ability. Supervise youngsters around the water. If someone is in trouble in the water, use elementary rescue methods first, such as throwing something that floats to the victim. Only as a last resort should you ever enter the water to save someone.