BAILER- A scoop or cup usually made from a plastic jug used to remove any water from the inside of the canoe. SEE CANOE PAGE 5.

EDDY- Usually a calmer stretch of water that appears on the downstream side of an obstacle like a rock. These are only to be approached by experienced paddlers and moving out of an eddy requires excellent stroke skills. One of the potential dangers of an eddy is getting too close to the rock or obstacle. The returning force of the water can hide an "undercut" or a cut out area of the rock that can pin your canoe. Another potential danger is the "eddyline." It's the point where the calmer current of the eddy rejoins the current of the river or stream. If not crossed correctly, an eddyline can easily capsize a canoe.

FLOAT PLAN- A written report containing name, address, number of people on trip, emergency, boat, trip time, destination and other information. Leave this report with a responsible person who will notify rescue authorities in the event you do not return within the indicated time.

PORTAGE- To carry your canoe over land. SEE CANOE PAGE 11.

PUT-IN- The starting point of the float trip. Canoe(s) and canoeists are left there by someone who then drives and meets them at the "take-out." The take-out marks the end point of the float trip.

STRAINER- It's a fallen tree, stray branches, a log pile, a dock pier--it's a strainer. Water flows through it, but you don't. Just like a fishing net catches a fish but lets the water flow or drain through, a strainer catches a boater and holds them there. Once trapped in or against the strainer, the force of flowing water will pull you under. SEE STRAINERS.

THROW BAG- A rescue device used in the event someone is thrown into the water. It consists of a waterproof bag containing rope (attached to the bag) and a piece of flotation. The bag is thrown near the person with the rescuer holding the end of the rope. SEE CANOE PAGE 5.