[Paddlewise] Swim Race Floatation

With the upcoming swim race, I'd like to take a moment to consider the role
kayakers play in a swim race.  Naturally, we provide a good channel for
communicating with swimmers and we help them navigate, but, in my mind, the
most important service we render is to provide immediate aide to a swimmer
in distress.  

A prime example of this is the aide given by two kayakers during a swim
race in the Chesapeake Bay last summer.  They came upon an unconscious
swimmer floating face down (due to a seizure, I believe) and had to take
immediate action.  Their alertness and quick response literally saved the
swimmer's life.  

I am bringing this topic to light because I have witnessed a few swim races
where kayakers participated but were ill prepared to lend immediate aide.
It's not too hard to imagine a scenario where a kayaker might have to come
to the aide of a swimmer and make physical contact with him or her.  I know
that there are times good judgement requires that we keep a good distance
from a swimmer (panic thrashing, etc.) but there are also times, like in
the Chesapeake race, where we might have to grab one.

Therefore, I recommend that swim race support kayakers:

1. Always wear a PFD.  If a swimmer is in distress, you may need to lend
immediate aide and not think to put one on or waste time doing so.  If you
are dealing with someone in the water, things can happen that would cause
you to be in the water too.  Wearing a PFD will help you continue to
provide aide while in the water and make your rescue easier for the rest of
us.

2. Always use a spray skirt.  If you are helping a swimmer in the water,
you may need to lean your boat while doing so.  The last thing you need is
to be scooping water into your cockpit.

3. Insure that your boat has adequate floatation.  If you go for a swim
while helping a swimmer, it will give you both something to hold on to
until more help arrives.  It will also help other kayakers to help you get
back in your boat.

4. Carry a spare PFD under a deck bungee.  If a swimmer gets in trouble, it
is much better to toss a PFD to them then to have them grab onto your boat
possibly causing an upset.

In essence, what I am preaching here is to have floatation for you, your
boat and for a swimmer.  I think it makes good sense. 

Perhaps we've discussed this too much in the past, but there are new people
and, you know......

Bill Leonhardt  

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