How can I secure my camera while canoeing?

Question

I am going on a canoeing trip the weekend and I'd like to take some snapshots while on the water. I have a Pentax W10, which is waterproof so I'm not worried about it taking a splash. My concern is dropping it. I need some way to secure it to myself. I need it to be accessible yet out of the way while paddling. Of course I don't want it to get caught on anything especially if I should fall into the water, so it needs to be safe. The camera does have a wrist strap and a place to attach it (the manual calls it a "strap lug"). Any tips from experienced canoers/kayakers/rafters for keeping my camera safe would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Acquire a waterproof camera bag with adequate padding. Use a short line to secure it to a seat thwart. Use it while in eddys or calm water.  If you want to take action photos you need a chest harness. Perhaps you should take a waterproof disposable camera instead of the Pentax or both.

Answer 2

I have a Pentax WP and it's small enough to fit in the pocket of my pfd (lifejacket). I run the end of the lanyard through a small loop of webbing on the pfd that's near the pocket. Then I put the camera through the end of the lanyard and pull it tight. That way, if I drop the camera, it's still secured to the pfd, and when I'm not using it, everything gets stuffed into the pfd pocket so there's nothing to get snagged. You'll probably need something a bit longer than a wrist strap, though.