Abstract: An improved paddle assembly is provided for use in operating a small watercraft. A paddle is comprised of a shaft and at least one blade attached to one end of the shaft. A floatation device has a hole therethrough to slidably engage the shaft of the paddle. During normal operation of the watercraft, the floatation device is positioned and stored adjacent the hands of the operator of the watercraft so as not to impede normal paddling of the watercraft; when the watercraft capsizes, the floatation device is slid along the shaft of the paddle to a position adjacent the blade to facilitate the return of the watercraft to the upright position by the performance of an Eskimo roll by the operator.