I think the real key thing about not getting lost is to pay close attention to your map all the time.  From a dsitance you can't tell an island from a pennisula.  Never put your map away because you think you know where you are.  Also never assume you remember the route from a previous trip.  Once you get lost, it is very difficult to find where you are.   I agree with Solo Tripper, that you have to rely on a compass rather than what you see on the shore or on your map.

We were up in Quetico over Labor Day and I gave the map to my wife to read.  In no time at all, she didn't have a clue where we were at.  What was suppose to be two islands was only one island.  Some times the map are drawn when the water is higher.  Also it is often best to follow a shoreline than shoot between multiple islands.  A shortcut doesn't save you time, if you get lost.

Westwood