Paddleboarding and Kayaking With Your Dog: A Safety Checklist

Quick answer: every dog on a paddleboard, kayak or boat should wear a well-fitted dog lifejacket with a grab handle, in a bright colour. Get your dog comfortable on the board on land before you go out, start in calm, shallow water close to shore, and keep sessions short. Marine Rescue NSW has urged boaters to put lifejackets on their dogs, noting that many dogs it saw in rescues weren't wearing one.

Why does my dog need a lifejacket if they can swim?

Good swimmers still tire, get cold, or get caught in wind and current. A lifejacket keeps them afloat while you turn around. Marine Rescue NSW reported more than 200 dogs and their owners rescued on NSW waterways over two years, and recommends a canine lifejacket that:

is brightly coloured, so your dog is easy to spot if they fall in
has a grab handle on the back to lift them back on board
supports the neck so the head stays above water
is snug enough to stay on but lets your dog swim freely

Wear your own lifejacket or PFD too, and check your state's rules for your craft.

Step 1: Train on land first

Put the board on grass or carpet and let your dog sniff it.
Reward them for stepping on, then sitting or lying down on it.
Practise with the lifejacket on, so it's familiar.
Add gentle wobbles while they stay settled.

A non-slip deck pad helps your dog grip.

Step 2: Choose calm water

Start in calm, shallow water near the shore: a harbour beach, lake or calm estuary.
Avoid surf, strong wind, boat traffic and tidal currents.
Check local rules — dogs aren't allowed at every beach or waterway. See dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.
Avoid water with blue-green algae warnings.

Step 3: On the water

Keep your dog in front of you, low and centred.
Kneel rather than stand until you're both confident.
Don't clip a lead to your dog on the board; a lead can tangle or snag if they go in. If you want a connection, attach it to the lifejacket, not the collar.
Take short trips and watch for tiredness, shivering or panting.
Bring fresh water and shade. Dogs shouldn't drink seawater. See is salt water bad for dogs?

If your dog goes overboard

Stay calm and keep your eyes on your dog.
Paddle to them and kneel or sit on the board.
Grab the lifejacket handle and lift them on, keeping your weight low.
If you can't, guide them to shore and follow.

What about the AirTag?

Keep ID and an AirTag on the collar, under the lifejacket if needed. The Pawfetchers holder is rated waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes, so a dip won't hurt it. Rinse it in fresh water afterwards.

Be realistic: out on the water there are few iPhones nearby, so an AirTag won't track your dog in real time. Its value is once your dog is back on land — if they swim ashore and run off, nearby phones on the beach or foreshore can update its location.