Reliability & Safety Lessons From a Kayaking Adventure

When we talk about employee safety, we often settle for generic reminders. To truly protect your workforce, you must combine expert training, real‑world practice, and a culture that encourages continuous improvement.

During a two‑week expedition through southeast Alaska, I paddled a 17‑foot kayak—a size that demands specific skill sets. My initial experience was modest, so I consulted seasoned kayakers, studied the handling characteristics of the vessel, and followed a structured training program that included competency and safety courses. We practiced the Eskimo Roll, emergency rescue procedures, and the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) in both calm Atlantic surf off South Carolina and the high‑energy Pacific waves off the Alaskan coast.

Key insights from the trip illustrate how the same equipment can behave differently under varying conditions—just as a single production line can produce multiple products with distinct reliability profiles. The ability to recognize and respond to emerging anomalies, whether in a kayak or a machine, is critical for preventing costly failures and safeguarding people.

In Alaska, we also confronted wildlife hazards: the area boasts the world’s highest per‑capita population of brown and black bears. We studied bear behavior, developed food‑storage protocols, and practiced situational awareness. The same approach—thorough research, tailored training, and real‑time communication—should be applied to any workplace where safety risks are dynamic.

Ask yourself these guiding questions before you launch any operation:

• What are the unique hazards (“bears”) in your environment, and how does your training address them?
• Do you have the right equipment for the task, and are your people proficient with it?
• Has your team mastered critical rescue techniques, like the Eskimo Roll, and do they practice them regularly?
• Are PFDs correctly sized and worn, and are your staff trained to use all tools under varying conditions?
• What is your immediate response plan if an unexpected danger—such as a sea lion—appears?

By embedding these practices into your daily workflow, you not only enhance equipment reliability but also protect the health and welfare of every employee.

About the author: Al Emeneker is a subject‑matter expert at Life Cycle Engineering, with over 30 years of experience in maintenance, repair, and reliability for organizations such as Union Camp Paper Company, Fluor, the U.S. Air Force, and South Carolina Electric & Gas. Contact him at aemeneker@LCE.com. Learn more about LCE at www.LCE.com.