Canoeing is another great way to enjoy the great outdoors. You can enjoy the tranquility of the lake or river on a quiet weekend, or reel in some fish for some delicious lunch. While a canoe is as safe as any boat for transporting yourself and your gear, it does sometimes tip over. So, what do you do in case your canoe tips over while you're alone and you fall into the water? Here's how you can get back in your canoe safely and easily.

How to Re-Enter Your Canoe (+ How to Deal with a Capsized Boat)

1. Don't panic

The worst thing you can do when you fall into a lake or river is to panic. If you fall into deep water and your feet can't reach the bottom, simply start treading to keep yourself afloat.

2. Secure your paddle

Get your paddle, and position it between your canoe's yoke and the front seat so you don't lose it.

3. Go near the front or rear of the boat

Swim or tread along the side of the bow or the stern. It's important not to position yourself in front of the edge of the bow or stern as this creates a suction, and you will not be able to lift and flip the canoe from this position. You have to lift the side of the canoe first to expose it to the air and lift it a lot easier.

4. Lift the edge overhead with both hands

5. Push the edge of the canoe as high as you can

Now, with your left arm, let it roll over to the left side.

6. Bail out all that water

Your canoe should still have a bit of water sitting at the bottom. You can use a bailer bucket or pack pouch to remove the water.

Don't have a bailer bucket? Simply tilt the canoe a little towards you and use your hand to remove the water. It's going to take a long time, but it'll work. That's worth taking some time to remove the water because you don't want to have to flip the canoe again. There's a couple of inches of water still in there, but it will do.

7. Re-enter the canoe

Tie your bailer back onto your boat and snap it in once you've removed all the water. Tread to the center part of the boat and grab the thwart and the yoke.

8. Pull yourself into the canoe.

Using the thwart and the yoke as an anchor, and kick the water at an angle.

9. Dive in and throw your shoulder in there

Once you're about halfway into the boat, dive in and lie on your side.

10. Roll over and lie on your back

Remember: This technique is better going on your shoulder than your back. If you were to lie over the boat on your stomach, you'd just tip it over and roll over to the other side. And now, you're back from where you started and you have to do it all over again.

Discover The Bear Essentials website for valuable tips on how to safely re-enter your canoe and survival needs.