The first thing to do when your kayak flips over is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. And keep in mind, if your kayak floats, you may still be able to reenter it. Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is important when kayaking, as it can literally save your life if you capsize. It will help you float with the boat instead of wasting energy trying to trudge through the water.