Everyone attending an event is responsible for their own personal safety at all times. There are no substitutes for good paddling skills and sound judgement. We highly recommend you paddle with experienced companions, aquire new skills and learn from the (sometimes harrowing) tales they tell.

Judgement
It is entirely up to you to decide whether your skills are adequate for a particular event and the weather/water conditions present. Only you can decide wether to press on or abort an outing. In some cases such as safety boats at a formal racing event, authorities such as the race safety director may supercede your decision.

Safety Gear
Insure you carry appropriate safety gear commensurate with the event you're attending. 

That includes:

personal flotation device (PFD) *
signaling device -whistle *
visual distress signal (dusk to dawn) * 
boat registration & numbers *
signalling mirror
bilge pump
paddle float for self rescue
spare paddle
distress flares
VHF marine handeld radio
first aid kit
last but not least - your presence of mind!

* required by law