What should you do if you get lost while kayaking?
If you get lost kayaking, stop paddling in circles. Head for the nearest safe shore or sheltered water, then check your position on a waterproofed phone, GPS or chart. Fog, marsh channels and look-alike islands confuse paddlers quickly. Keep your life jacket on, stay with your boat, watch tides and weather, and call 911 or use a VHF radio on channel 16 if you're in danger or can't find your way back.
Step by step
01Stop and get somewhere safe
Paddling hard in an unknown direction wastes energy and can take you into open water or strong current. Move toward the nearest safe shore, a sheltered cove or a marker. Rest before deciding your next move.
02Check your position
Pull out your phone in its waterproof case, a GPS or a chart. Look for landmarks: buoys, bridges, docks, distinctive trees or buildings. Note the direction of the wind and current so you don't fight them unnecessarily.
03Mind the tide, wind and light
On tidal water, channels that were open can drain, and currents can turn against you. Check a tide chart app if you have one. Wind often builds through the afternoon, and paddling into it on open water is exhausting. Factor in how much daylight you have left before choosing a route back, and prefer a longer route along the shore to a shorter crossing.
04Stay with your boat and keep your life jacket on
Your kayak is far easier to spot than a swimmer, and it keeps you out of cold water. Don't try to swim for shore. The National Weather Service warns that cold shock can hit in water of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit as badly as near-freezing water, so keep your life jacket zipped and buckled the whole time.
05Call for help if you need it
Call 911 from your phone if you're in danger. If you carry a VHF marine radio, channel 16 is the distress, safety and calling channel monitored by the Coast Guard and nearby boats; say "Mayday" three times, then your position. Blow your whistle in threes and wave a bright paddle blade to be seen.
06Use your float plan
Your shore contact holds your float plan with your route and return time. If you started a Holler live link, your Guardians can see your last known location, and a missed return time sends them an overdue alert. See what to carry when kayaking alone.
Related questions
What if fog rolls in?
Stop and hold position near a shore or marker if you can, since paddling blind can take you into a shipping channel. Use your GPS or compass rather than guessing. Blow your whistle periodically so boats know you're there, and don't cross open water until you can see the far side.
Should I land and wait?
If you're safe on shore and unsure of the way, landing and waiting is often better than paddling on. Pull your boat above the tide line and stay near it. Let your contact know where you are if you have signal.
Does the Coast Guard need a float plan?
The Coast Guard recommends leaving one with a reliable person, who can give rescuers the details if you don't return. Include a photo of your boat. Our trip plan explainer covers the details.
How do I keep my phone working on the water?
Keep it in a waterproof case clipped to your life jacket, not loose in the hatch. Download the map of the area before you launch so GPS still shows your position without signal, and turn on Low Power Mode once you're lost. Our guide to leaving a trip plan covers the float plan side.
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Sources, checked September 2026: U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety: Life jacket wear, U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety: Float plan, U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center: Radio information for boaters, National Weather Service: Cold water safety.
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