When paddling a canoe at night, which piece of equipment should be carried to help avoid a collision?

When paddling a canoe at night, carrying a flashlight is essential for avoiding collisions. A flashlight provides illumination to help the paddler see obstacles in their path and to signal their presence to other boaters. This increased visibility is crucial at night when darkness can obscure potential hazards such as other vessels, rocks, or shorelines. Utilizing a flashlight not only helps the paddler navigate safely but also enhances their ability to communicate with others on the water, making it easier for them to be seen.

While other equipment is important for overall safety during boating, it does not directly address the immediate need for visibility in low-light conditions. A life jacket is vital for personal safety, a horn can alert others but requires an operational context, and a map is useful for navigation but does not provide visibility. Therefore, the flashlight stands out as the most relevant piece of equipment for preventing collisions during nighttime paddling.