The first days of kayaking each year are done in cool weather and the water temperature is cold, dangerously cold if you capsize.    When I go out, I take the following precautions.

• I wear a full dry suit.    These are expensive so not everyone has one.    I look at it as a one-time investment.      If I go in the water, the dry suit will prevent me from cold shock as long as I am close enough to the shore or I can perform a self-rescue.
• I have practiced self-rescue many times so I can be back in the boat in a couple of minutes.    I carry a baler/pump, a sling for the self-assist, and I would then make my way to the shore ASAP.
• I wear full neoprene boots to further insulate myself.    This allows me to get into the boat or out of the boat by stepping in the water.
• I paddle along the shoreline every time in the early season.    I do not cross large lakes.
• While paddling I wear paddling gloves and a toque or adjustable toque hat.
• I wear breathable layers under my dry suit.
• I always wear a PFD and I have the required safety equipment.
• I do not paddle on windy days in the early season.    I use the limit of 15 km/hour.    Reasonably reliable forecasts can be seen on Environment Canada sites 24 hours in advance.
• I keep the distance to 45 – 90 minutes in cool weather.
• I pick reliable spots on the river or local lakes in the early season, preferably spots where I can be seen if something goes wrong.
• I let someone know where I will be and I check in by text.
• I haven’t tipped in by accident for 20 years, but I still take all the precautions every time.
• When the water warms up, I can ease up on some of the extra safety precautions.

I was paddling on Paul Lake at the first ice off and there was a family with a Costco kayak there, taking turns.    No PFDs and paddling out to the middle of the lake…    I told the parents that if someone tips, that person would not survive and anyone on the shoreline would not be able to rescue them.    I was given a cold glare and no response.