Kayaking Safety on Flathead Lake
This summer, Lake County Search and Rescue (SAR) had to rescue quite a few kayakers in distress. None of these kayakers had rented from Go Sail Flathead Lake and that’s not just due to luck. 
Here is what you need to know about how Go Sail Flathead Lake keeps all their kayak renters safe:
Is kayaking on Flathead Lake safe?
Kayaking on Flathead Lake is very safe if you follow all the necessary safety precautions and use the right equipment. However, going out on Flathead Lake without checking the forecast, having knowledge of the lake, or missing the right equipment can put you in a dangerous situation.
Do I need to wear a life jacket while kayaking Flathead Lake?
One of the most dangerous things you can do while kayaking Flathead Lake is leave your life jacket (PFD) behind. All Go Sail kayak rentals come with a life jacket and you must wear it when you are on the water if you are kayaking with us.
As Lake County SAR said on a safety post on their Facebook page, “Can you tread water for 20 mins? 30 mins?” because that’s the minimum amount of time you’ll likely need to tread water as you wait for the volunteer boat crews with SAR to make it out to you. “In discussions with other senior members of Lake County SAR’s skilled boat crews it was agreed that we’ve never had to make a recovery of a drowned person wearing a life jacket,” the post continued.
What safety equipment do I need to kayak on Flathead Lake?
Go Sail Flathead Lake provides all kayak renters with whistles and life jackets. Our marine grade whistle attaches to your life jacket and is much louder than even your most powerful yell! We also recommend bringing your phone in a waterproof case. This won’t just be great for pictures but is incredibly helpful in case of emergencies.
Are there any common factors for Flathead Lake kayak rescues?
Lake County SAR noticed that most of their rescues during 2024 summer were sit-inside style kayaks. Go Sail Flathead Lake does not rent sit-inside kayaks because they don’t float well and aren’t meant to be used in large open bodies of water like Flathead Lake. Instead, we rent sit-on-top kayaks. These kayaks float and will not become swamped in choppy waters.
Another commonality on these kayak rescues? Go Sail Flathead Lake wasn’t allowing renters to go out on the water when most of these rescues occurred. If the weather isn’t safe for kayaking, we aren’t going to let our customers out on the water!
Is the weather good for sailing on Flathead Lake?
If you’ve been in Montana long, you know the weather can change quickly! It’s important you check the forecast before you go sailing, kayaking, or take part in any other watersport on the lake. You’ll want to check the weather on both sides of the mountains and pay particular attention to the forecast’s wind speed and direction. Whether you rent a kayak from Go Sail or not, you can always call us to ask about the sailing and kayaking weather!
How do I safely kayak on Flathead Lake?
The best way to have a safe kayaking experience on Flathead Lake is by:
- Renting a sit-on-top kayak from Go Sail Flathead Lake rather than using a sit-in kayak
- Checking the weather forecast before you kayak (or calling Go Sail for specific information about the weather conditions on the lake)
- Bringing all the necessary safety equipment with you on your kayak (this equipment comes with your Go Sail kayak rental)
Have other questions about kayaking safety on Flathead Lake? Give Go Sail a call at (406) 515-9585