Kayak Rescue Techniques
Kayak rescues techniques are needed when someone capsizes in water that is too deep to simply stand up and walk out. If you paddle water that is too deep to wade or too far to swim while dragging your capsized boat or the water is too cold for an extended swim, a successful kayak rescue can be the difference between life an death. Even with proper cold-water clothing, you won’t be able to survive an extended swim in cold water.
All rescues are designed to get the boater back in the boat as quickly as possible and remove the water to restore stability. Rescues should be practiced as though conditions are rough. Expect waves breaking over the boat and wind that can quickly separate a boater from his/her paddle and/or boat. Have a plan to deal with the capsizing of all boaters in your party.
Rescues are classified as assisted rescue and self-rescue. Assisted rescues involve a boater who has not capsized helping a boater who has capsized. Self-rescues permit a boater to self-rescue if they have become separated from the group or if their rescuer has also capsized.
With exception of the Eskimo Roll, these rescues are easy to perform with a little training and practice. They are almost impossible to perform without training and you won’t be prepared without practice. Both the rescuee and the rescuer need training and practice.
Assisted Rescues
Bow Rescue: This rescue is basically an assisted Eskimo Roll using the bow of the rescuer’s boat as an aide. It is similar to performing a hip-snap off the side of a pool during basic kayak training. This rescue works great if the capsized boater can hold their breath long enough and the rescuer is very close and happens to notices the capsizing. This rescue is very quick but seldom usable unless planned in advance.
T- Rescue: AKA Boat over Boat. This rescue involves lifting the capsized boat over the bow of the rescuer’s boat to empty most of the water. The boat is righted and held steady while the rescuee reenters the boat. The spray skirt is reattached and water is pumped. This is the most commonly used assisted rescue because it is pretty quick and limits the paddler’s exposure to cold water.
Side Rescue: This rescue is similar to the T rescue except water is not emptied from the boat. The flooded boat is righted and steadied while the rescuee climbs back in. The spray skirt is reattached and water is pumped. This rescue can be used when the capsized boat is heavily loaded, does not have bulkheads to limit flooding or the rescuer cannot lift the bow for some reason. Exposure can be lengthy due to the amount of water that needs to be pumped.
Self-Rescues
Eskimo Roll: If possible, the Eskimo Roll is the first and best self-rescue. Exposure to cold water is very short. Experienced boaters use this rescue in both whitewater and flat water. Properly outfitted touring, recreational, and sit-on-top kayaks can be rolled. Even canoes can be rolled when properly outfitted. Learning the roll can be not only useful but also self-satisfying.
Paddle Float Rescue: This rescue can be used by anyone with a little practice. It is also a backup in case you can’t roll for any reason. An inflatable bag or float is attached to one end of the paddle. The paddle is attached under the bungee cords behind the cockpit forming an outrigger to steady the boat. The boater climbs back in the boat while leaning toward the float, attaches the spray skirt and pumps the boat empty. When the boat is again stable, the paddle is detached from the boat and the float removed from the paddle.
Learn the Rescues Techniques
1) Attend a class, clinic or workshop devoted to kayak or canoe rescue techniques.
2) Study one or more books on rescue techniques.
3) Practice the rescues so you will be proficient when a rescue is needed.
I highly recommend the following book:
Sea Kayaking Safety & Rescue
John Lull
Wilderness Press
ISBN 0-89997-274-8
This book contains detailed instructions for each of the rescues listed above and several variations.
Please watch for and attend classes, clinics and workshops devoted to kayak or canoe rescue. Typically,
KCKA members who are willing to share their knowledge and skills hold one or more of these trainings each year. Please support these activities with your attendance.
© 2005 Chris Collins, All Rights Reserved