Few people utilize a float plan, plain and simple. But they are important to prevent a mishap from becoming dangerous.
And just because canoes and kayaks aren’t motorized doesn’t mean they get a pass.
Any canoe/kayak expedition, no matter how short in duration, should include a checklist of safety items that includes personal floatation devices, VHF radio, compass, first aid kit and devices that can reveal one’s location.
It’s important to give someone you trust a float plan consisting of the number of people participating in the trip, where you are departing from, your intended destination and what type of communication you’ll have available.