Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Objectives
On completion of this unit, you should be capable of:
• using the relevant rescue for the environment and craft
• performing a safe and efficient rescue
• understanding different types of rescues and their relevance
• competence in all aspects of deep water rescue at sea
Introduction
By ‘rescue’ we mean the emptying of a kayak or canoe and the return of
the paddler(s) to the cockpit after a capsize. There is rather more to it
than that, however.
Capsizes happen when paddlers are in conditions beyond what they
can normally handle, either because they are trying something new,
because wind and waves have risen beyond their skill and experience
level, a moment’s distraction... Whatever, the rescue must be achieved
in, and will put the paddler back into, the conditions that led to the
problem in the first place. Sometimes those conditions can make rescue
difficult, even hazardous.
The first priority in all rescues is the capsized person. If fatigue or illness are among the causes it may well be time to head for shore, particularly since the casualty may be in danger of going over again, indeed,
being now more cold and wet than before may make it more likely. Other people in the group may be similarly fatigued and concerned. Where
is the nearest alternate landing?
As leader you will have to decide, and manage the situation. You will
have to decide whether to do the rescue yourself, or have another
capable person do it while you supervise the other group members. In
any case, in your pre-launch briefing you have explained what you want
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group members to do in the case of a capsize: wait nearby paddling
slowly into wind to maintain station, head for the nearest shelter, or
some other option.
Rescues
Although it may not be explicit elsewhere, the guiding motto of sea
kayaking in the Australian Canoeing Award Scheme is ‘paddle the
kayak’. At all times the paddler should be in control, two hands on the
paddle, since that is the most stable, and therefore safest, position.
That is true even if the cockpit has been flooded or there is some other
problem. To enable that, minimum volume cockpits, controllable when
swamped, and hands free pump systems. There is no reliance on handheld pumps, paddle floats, etc: it is a very different philosophy of paddling from that common overseas.
Any rescue method must return the paddler to the ‘paddle the kayak’
position as quickly as possible, require minimum effort, and place
no reliance on extra bits and pieces. People in the water should be in
contact with either their own boat or the rescuer’s at all times, and their
condition is the principal concern throughout.
What to do with paddles, etc.
Rescuers will need both hands free for rescues, and will therefore need
some form of paddle park or leash, either one of the coiled springy
things used by surfers, something like those shown in the diagram on
the next page, or simply a half metre of 8 mm shock cord, one end fixed
to the deck, the other with a loop.
Capsized paddlers have several options:
• hold the paddle throughout the rescue until the time comes to reboard, when it can be handed to the rescuer
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
2m of 4mm or 6mm line
Other end identical
Snaplink (e.g. RF-533)
Float
Sufficient length to wrap around paddle shaft
50cm of 4mm shock cord
Loop for wrist
Loop around paddle shaft
Rigging ball can be put under deck shock cord
A variation on this leash uses an Olive cleat on the wrist loop
• put it into its own park or leash on the boat, ready for use after the
rescue
• have the rescuer take it and put it into a park
• let it go and have a third person retrieve it
Whichever is used may depend on the state of the capsized swimmer:
the second option perhaps being the best.
If other items drift away they should be left either until later or to others, provided noone is put at risk. (You might question how equipment
can manage to come loose. Rescuers might also ask why they need various items on the foredeck, where they may be in the way of rescues.)
Approach
The approach is a key part of any rescue. As rescuer, you want to be
able to pick up both swimmer and boat together, without any unecessary move on the part of either. You also have to ensure your own
safety. If a rescue in the swimmer’s present position would have you
swept on to rocks you will have to wait until the swimmer can clear the
area. Do not put yourself into danger.
Call to the swimmer to ensure that he or she is capable and coherent, and aware of your coming. Explain what you want to do. Put your
paddle into its park, and plan your approach. For a Wedge rescue you
want the angle between the boats to be 45–60˚, for T or X around 90˚,
for Flip and pump you want to be parallel, but in the opposite direction.
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Key points for swimmer
• Maintain contact with the boat, holding it by the bow, and if possible,
the paddle. Ignore anything else: let go of your boat and it will drift
faster than you can swim
• Look out for, and respond to your rescuer
• For a Wedge or Flip and pump rescue, right the boat
• Move to the side away from the approaching rescuer
• When the rescuer has your boat, transfer to the rescuer’s boat, maintaining a hold at all times
• Follow the rescuer’s instructions to wait either at the bow or on the
side away from your boat
Re-entry
There are alternative methods, depending on preferences and conditions, with all methods requiring a stable raft. That stability comes
from the rescuer putting as much weight as possible on the swimmer’s
boat. That means having the peak of the deck in the armpit, with the
arm wrapped around the kayak, which should be facing the opposite
way. (That hand can hold a paddle, underneath the boat and out of the
way.) The other hand holds the cockpit rim, but can be used to assist
the swimmer if need be.
The old method of feet first between the cockpits is not recommended
as it tends to push the raft apart, and the swimmer is at risk of injury if
boats are pushed together by waves. That leaves two head first possibilities: over the swimmer’s boat, and over the rescuer’s. Reboarding over
the rescuer’s craft means that the swimmer does not have to to move
around the raft, and comes across the more stable boat.
Key points for rescuer
• Lean hard on the swimmer’s boat, with the peak of the deck in your
armpit
• Hold the cockpit rim with your other hand, ready to assist the swimmer if necessary
• Help the swimmer refit spraydeck, pick up paddle, etc.
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Reboarding over rescuer’s kayak
Feet at the surface
Peak of deck in armpit (This
rescuer is holding swimmer’s
paddle under the boat)
Key points for swimmer
• Move around the raft to the cockpit if boarding over your own boat,
keeping hold the whole way
• Put one hand each side of the cockpit rim, or hold the decklines
• Kick the feet to the surface
• Make a breaststroke kick and pull with the arms to come across the
deck
• Either
Either twist around, keeping
low, or use face-down method
below
– keep moving, face down, until the feet are in the cockpit
– roll face up, and wriggle forward until over the seat
– or keeping low, twist around to put the feet into the cockpit and
wriggle in
• Sit up
Incapacitated paddlers may need assistance to reboard. A sling (e.g.
formed from a spare paddle park) may be used as a step, or a second
rescuer could help the swimmer haul up on to the deck.
Reboarding over swimmer’s kayak
Feet at the surface
Starting out again can be made easier for capsized paddlers if you can
finish the rescue with them facing the direction to paddle, avoiding an
immediate turn in awkward conditions. You may want to turn the raft
before releasing rescued paddlers, but in any case do not release them
until they are ready, and keep close watch for the next few minutes.
This is where you assess for hypothermia or undue apprehension, and
offer treatment or reassurance as necessary. A paddler unable to continue will need to be towed.
Rescue methods
Flip and pump
This rescue is for situations where the paddler must be returned to the
cockpit immediately, in a surf area perhaps, or where there is danger of
being swept into some other hazard.
Lie face down, put feet into cockpit. Roll face
up, wriggle forward, sit up when over seat
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The swimmer rights the boat, switches on the pump if it is electric, and
the rescuer stabilises it for re-entry. As soon as the paddler is aboard,
he or she can paddle away, with the pump doing the work. In many
cases, the spray deck can be left until later.
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Wedge
The Wedge rescue is the fastest ‘lifting’ rescue, and the swimmer is
in contact with the rescuer’s boat at all times. The ‘lift’ is done by the
wedging action of the bow of the boat being rescued. Effort by the rescuer is minimal, and begins with a straight pull, which should be timed
with waves to minimise the effort. Only the forward part of the boat
needs to be out of the water, far enough for the cockpit to be clear.
Poorly maintained composite boats with jagged edges can cause damage. Keep all boats well forward, off your spray deck.
Key points for rescuer
• Grab the bow of the boat by the deck lines, with an angle between the
boats of 45–60˚
• Pull the bow: it will come up and across in front of you
• Keep pulling until the cockpit is clear of the water
• Push the boat forward on the deck, roll the boat towards you and
watch the water draining
• Roll the boat upright and slide it back into the water facing the opposite direction
• Stabilise the boat for re-entry
(If a kayak cannot be rescued by this method you might question its
suitability for use at sea.)
Others
X rescue
The X rescue works with general purpose and whitewater kayaks. It
does not work well with sea kayaks, since any attempt to lift an inverted
sea boat will simply roll it upright, and sea kayaks do not need to be
sea-sawed anyway.
Key points for rescuer
Lift
• Place your nearer hand on the upturned hull
X rescue: contact The rescuer is
putting leashed paddle aside, the
swimmer is transferring to the
rescuer’s boat. The floating hat is
being ignored
Initial lift: direct pull
45–60˚
Swimmer moving
round
Push forward, roll towards you
The initial lift: nearer hand
on on the hull, other hand
gripping the toggle
Seasawing the boat, both
hands holding cockpit rim,
nearer edge higher
Dealing with a boat with
insufficient buoyancy
Push forward, roll towards you
Keep boat on deck, not cockpit
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
• With the other, grab the toggle or end loop
• Lean on the boat, and then push away to give some impetus for the lift
• Use the deck lines (if present) to haul the boat across: be quick at this
stage to avoid the stern filling
• Grab the cockpit rim as soon as you can reach it, and drag the boat
to and fro to drain it. Have the nearer side slightly higher so that it
clears your own cockpit rim
• Do not try to remove every last drop: you will not be able to do so and
will waste time if you try
• Do not try gripping the upturned hull unless you have hands like octopus tentacles
Launch
• Put the boat back into the water, on the side opposite from where you
picked it up and facing the opposite direction
What if
• If the boat is waterlogged (because of insufficient buoyancy), you may
find it difficult to handle: let the swimmer assist:
– reach across the rescuer’s deck to grasp the toggle or end loop of
the capsized boat
– drag it across the deck
– with feet on the gunwale, keep pulling until the cockpit is over the
rescuer’s deck
– pull downward to begin draining
• The rescuer must hold the boat by the cockpit rim as usual
• The swimmer must stay in contact at all times, and return to the rescuer’s bow
Swimmer assisted T rescue
The T rescue can be thought of as a variation of the X, but without the
sea-saw. As with the X, any attempt at a direct lift will roll a sea boat
upright, so the swimmer assists by pushing down on the stern.
Having the swimmer remote from the rescuer’s boat is a potential hazard, and coordination between the two people is vital.
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Historical
Several rescues once popular are now of historical interest only. The
HI rescue, which was based on two rescuing kayaks in parallel with a
bridge of paddles across them to support the capsized boat is destructive of modern paddles, and takes time to set up.
An even older rescue, the H, was used with frame and canvas boats
which had fragile decks unable to support the weight of another kayak.
In heavy conditions it was difficult to keep everything together.
One rescue that may be of use with swamped kayaks without low volume kayaks is the Curl. The rescuing and swamped kayaks are side by
side, and the swimmer reaches across the rescuing kayak to empty the
other boat, little by little, by lifting the cockpit rim.
Eskimo rescue
The Eskimo* rescue is useful, since the victim does not have to leave
the kayak. On capsize, the victim remains in the kayak in the tuck position and bangs hard on the hull to attract attention. The arms are then
moved slightly away from the hull and waved back and forward waiting to feel the rescuer’s bow. It’s possible to swim up for a breath and
remain in the boat indefinitely, depending on one’s confidence. The
rescuer aims at the nearer end of the victim’s kayak, grabs it with both
hands, and swings the bow within reach of the victim, who can then roll
up on it.
*The word ‘Eskimo’ means ‘eater of raw meat’, a derogatory term. The Arctic peoples called
themselves Inuit, ‘the people’.
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Before you rush in...
It’s all very well to practise rescues in calm conditions: real rescues are
needed when you may least expect them, and certainly least want them.
The conditions may well put rescuers at risk, and among the hazards
may be submerged rocks, other objects such as cliffs and jetties, breaking waves pulling rafts apart, tidal or other currents or the wind pushing you towards other hazards, and even well-meaning power boat
operators getting in the way.
Two variations of this technique have been popular in the past. One
involves the rescuing paddler putting his or her bow directly in reach
of the capsized paddler’s hands. In the other, the two boats are side by
side, parallel, with the rescuer’s paddle forming a ‘bridge’ across the
two. The capsized paddler’s hand is guided to the paddle shaft, which is
the support for rolling up. The risk of collision with the capsized paddler is greater with both these methods, and the rescue shown in the
diagram is safer and more secure.
Cold and windy conditions will mean that you will need to get swimmers back into their boats promptly, to avoid hypothermia.
Sometimes there may be more than one capsize to deal with. Which
one do you deal with first? Can other group members assist, either by
performing rescues themselves or supporting others?
You will have to assess the situation, and perhaps adapt your rescue
to the conditions, tow everything to a safer area, call for assistance, or
whatever. Expertise and confidence come from experience.
Towing
Rolling
Undoubtedly the fastest and safest rescue, but techniques are beyond
the scope of this module. All sea paddlers should develop and maintain
reliable rolls.
The ability to re-enter and roll gives the paddler self rescue capability.
Assisting
Other members of the group need not sit idly by and watch while a
rescue is happening. Sometimes the rescuer can be more secure with a
second rescuer rafted alongside, either to support or to help drag or lift
a heavy boat. A second rescuer can also be helpful in cases where the
swimmer is having difficulty reboarding.
Even if they are not directly involved, other group members should
keep a lookout for drifting gear, and be ready to tow the rescue out of
danger if need be. It goes without saying that everyone will wait until
the rescue is complete before moving on.
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A paddler incapacitated by illness or injury will have to be assisted to
shore, and that will involve towing. A very short tow with a reasonably
capable paddler can be made with the casualty leaning on the foredeck
of the tower’s boat, facing the tower. The tower can monitor the casualty, and paddles by reaching across the other boat. If need be the two
boats can be clipped together.
Very short tows can also be made with paddle leashes and other improvised means.
Any tow involves the whole group. The tower cannot readily see the
boat being towed, and may not be able to hear the towed paddler either.
A third paddler, out to the side, can monitor the towed paddler’s condition, and relay messages. All other people in the group need to stay
with the tow, ready to offer support if required, and to take turns in
towing if there is a long distance to travel.
The group leader will have to decide whether to be directly involved, or
manage the group and have other capable group members do the towPage 6
Perform deep water rescues: Sea
ing. Either way, the leader must monitor everyone’s condition throughout, and intervene if necessary.
Towed kayaks tend to wander, and the paddler being towed must keep
formation behind the ‘tug’. In following seas the towed paddler must
also be careful not to overrun the towing boat, or put sudden tension on
the towline.
Towlines
Although the waist band or PFD-mounted towline systems used on
whitewater may be used for short tows at sea, they are not recommended for general use because sea tows tend to be for longer periods and
can involve considerable stresses from wave action.
Sea kayak towlines are normally some 15 metres long, of 4 mm Nylon,
which has some shock absorbing ability. At each end is a snaplink, and
the whole thing is carried in a small bag stowed in a convenient place
on deck. Care needs to be taken when starting a tow to avoid tangles,
particularly tangles with paddles. (Be careful also to avoid collisions
when setting things up. As others have observed, a collision at sea can
spoil your whole day*.)
The tower’s end may simply be clipped to the deckline, or there may
be a more complex quick release system such as the one shown here.
(Towlines are never tied.) Having the towline on one side or the other
helps keep it clear of the rudder and gear on deck.
Compatible systems allow towlines to be swapped from one towing
kayak to another so that towers can take turns.
Single tow
The towing paddler concentrates on maintaining the heading, while the
towed paddler keeps position behind, providing as much power as possible. A third paddler is to one side, observing and communicating.
Using this scheme with the strongest and fastest member of the group
towing the slowest member can help keep a group together: almost like
putting the two together in a double.
* Attributed to the Greek naval historian Thucydides, 460–404 BCE (?)
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Loop of thin cord (2mm Spectra) tight
around cockpit rim
As shown here, the same
loop can be used on more
than one boat. However
there is the danger that it
can slip over the forward
part of the cockpit rim.
A variation does not use a
complete loop but a short
length fixed at one end,
e.g. to the deckline on the
port side in this example
Cleat
Uncleat line to
release tow in
emergency
Climbing ‘quickdraw’:
can be slid around
Clip towline to this
Supported tow
An incapacitated paddler can be supported by a person rafted alongside. For a long tow, their bows might be connected together to ease the
loads on the supporter, who will need to be changed at intervals.
Double tows
Where a supported tow is required two kayaks can tow the raft, increasing the speed and easing the loads on the towers. Inline tows are the
easiest to set up, but stresses on the centre kayak are considerable.
The other form of double tow has the kayaks in V formation, as shown
on the next page. One of the towing paddlers concentrates on maintaining the heading while the other keeps in formation: an interesting
task in heavy conditions. This is possible with normal towlines, but the
variable V system makes it easier by allowing limited fore and aft movement between the towing boats.
The variable V uses either a long (25 m or so) single line with shock
cord at one end, or an extra line between two normal towlines, together
with a towing bridle some 2 m long with three snaplinks. The middle
snaplink goes on the casualty’s bow, one end on the supporter’s, and
the towline goes through the other. To change supporters another
kayak must temporarily join the raft, on the casualty’s side, to manage
the snaplink.
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Observer
Maintain separation
Slide hook to adjust length
Tow bridle with three snaplinks
Potentially useful items
Deck carries
A paddler whose kayak has been severely damaged may have to be carried to shore. A fit paddler can lie face down on the aft deck of a kayak
and be carried as passenger. With the passenger keeping low stability
is not too badly affected, but the change in fore and aft trim may make
directional control difficult.
An incapacitated paddler may have to be carried on a raft, necessitating
a tow.
An isolated swimmer, such as one out of his depth off a beach, can be
carried under the bow for short distances. Progress will be slow, but the
swimmer is in view at all times.
Lock in notch
Toggle rope
This is made from 2 m of 4 mm rope with knots at 15 cm intervals, and
can be used, singly or chained together, to hold boats together, as a
short towline, anywhere a short easily connected and disconnected line
is needed.
Shock cord hooks
Adjustable hooks such as Tyga® (shown here) or Solcor™ J hooks on
lengths of 8 mm shock cord can be used to hold rafts together, lash
items temporarily to decks, etc.
Hand pump
One hand pump per group can be used to deal with flooded compartments or substitute for an electric pump with flat battery. It must not
be regarded as anyone’s primary pump.
Thoughts
As with other skills and techniques, practice is vital. Many groups
always practise a few rescues and tows on every outing to maintain the
skills, and to experiment with new ideas. Do remember that a rescue in
the bay or a 10 minute tow can be trivial compared to the real thing.
A common slogan is ‘You got yourself into this, you get yourself out of
it.’ Worth thinking about, and if preparation and planning have been
thorough, achievable. The mayday call or EPIRB are very much the last
resort...
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Perform deep water rescues: Sea
Scenarios
How would you deal with these situations?
It is 10 am on an August morning. You are leading a group of school
students along a section of coast. The weather forecast is for winds
of less than 15 knots, coming cross offshore. There is a minimal swell
and you are sheltered from the forecast wind, hugging the coast. As
you round a small tombolo (less than 150 m from the main coast line)
you are hit by a direct offshore wind of greater than 20 knots. One of
the group capsizes.
You are making a 10 nm crossing in heavier conditions than were forecast: 20 kn headwind, gusting to over 25 kn, and seas to 2 m. A less
experienced member of the party capsizes. After the rescue it is obvious that he is exhausted. As well, another kayak has taken water into
its stern compartment and has become difficult to control
About an hour after launching into reasonably calm conditions, but
with some swell, a member of the party of four is intermittently violently seasick. The destination, with cars waiting, is about two hours
ahead. No landings are possible along the way.
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An experienced group is well offshore, near a reef over which waves are
breaking occasionally. Almost without warning, a much bigger wave
passes and breaks on two of the group. One boat is broken apart and
the other is damaged, but can still be paddled with occasional bailing.
Both paddlers are shaken, but not badly hurt.
What have you to say about this, which really happened:
“Meanwhile J ... had swum her boat alongside mine, and I supported
it as she climbed back in. Her cockpit was full of water, making the
boat too unstable to paddle. We started to empty it with a handheld
pump, but a spilling wave crashed across us and filled it to the brim.
This approach wasn’t going to work, so I called to D for help... D attached a rope to her kayak and started to tow us off the rocks...”
Acknowledgement
This resource was written and illustrated by Peter Carter
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