Lake Powell Safety Info

Safety Essentials on Lake Powell:

1. Wear Your Life Jacket:

Life Jackets are provided for all activities and required to have on your vessel. Keep your life jacket properly fitted and buckled when on the water – even if you are a strong swimmer. Children 12 and under must wear life jacket at all times.

Paddleboarding? The provided leash is required to wear. The leash does not replace a life jacket. 

2. Bring Enough Water and Snacks: 

For a full day on Lake Powell we recommend taking at least 2 liters of water per person. During the heat of the summer we recommend taking more. Bring plenty of high-protein and easy-to-eat-snacks and electrolytes for sustained energy. Take breaks and watch for signs of overheating.

3. Seasonal Weather:

Summers are extremely hot with little to no shade. Winters are moderately cold with night time lows often below freezing. Spring weather is highly variable and unpredictable with extended periods of winds. Fall weather is usually nice and mild, a great time to beat the heat.

Monsoon season can bring unpredicable storms with high wind, rain, lightening and flash floods.

Always check the forecast and before and during your adventure. Know that conditions can change quickly. Learn more – Weather Information

4. Dress Appropriately: 

The heat and sun here can be dangerous. Make sure you have plenty of sun protection. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and loose UV protective clothing are highly recommended.

In the Spring and Fall, the water can be cold, warm layers and splash gear/rain gear are highly recommended. Check out this break down of Weather Appropriate Clothing – For Every Season

5: Paddle Sober to Avoid Unnecessary Risks:

Drugs, Alcohol and sun do not mix. Many problems can arise from intoxication in heat, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Marijuana is a controlled substance under federal law and is illegal in all national park units regardless of state law — it cannot be possessed or used at Glen Canyon.

6. Cliff Jumping: 

It is prohibited for any person to jump or dive off of rock cliffs, ledges, or man-made structures (excluding vessels) 15 feet or higher.

7. Sharing the Lake:

Stay alert around boats, jet skis, and launch ramps. Never assume another operator sees you. Listen for approaching boats at blind canyon corners and avoid blocking their path. Antelope Canyon is a No-Wake Zone, however be sure to stay to the sides while in the canyon. 

On a paddleboard, lower yourself to your knees when wakes or waves make standing unstable. 

8. Stay Together:

Keep your group within sight and shouting distance. Choose a distance everyone in your group can comfortably complete. Turn around before anyone becomes exhausted, and allow extra time for wind, breaks, and the return paddle. Carry your map and a charged phone in a waterproof case. Cell service may be limited, so do not rely on your phone alone for directions or help.

9. Know What to Do if You Tip Over:

Keep your life jacket on it will provide extra buoyancy. Stay with your kayak or paddleboard. Get to shore if you can. Let your legs float to the surface behind you as you hoist yourself up pull your vessel under your belly button. 

10. Know How to Get Help:
For a life threatening emergency, call 911. Give your location, nearby landmarks, the number of people involved, and the nature of the emergency.
For non-emergency rental assistance, use the contact number provided at check-in. There are no lifeguards, and help may be delayed by weather or distance.