Re: [Paddlewise] BCU&ACA Paddles of-a-feather...

----- Original Message
From: Peter Treby

Chuck writes: "I was going to do a BCU-style rescue, but when the rescuee
swam out to the end of his kayak, I knew he had been taught the ACA-style
rescue, and I immediately changed my tactics."
You mean the ACA style T-rescue has the victim in the water go to the bow of
the rescuer's boat?
Where does the victim go in a BCU type T-rescue?
PT-----

Hi Peter and Paddlewise,
Jan here, speaking as one of the 8 ACA Instructor Trainers (ITs)on the West
Coast. I believe each of the ACA Instructor Trainers has some leeway on the
variation of steps to a rescue. Although I have no personal experience with
BCU evaluations, I understand through stories, that there may be variation
among BCU programs as well. The "proving grounds" of a rescue is its
performance in some wind and chop or tidal currents. All of the ITs that I
have seen on the water have rough water rescues that take less than one
minute, without letting any paddles or gear get loose in the water. In
Central California, the water temperature is often between 50 and 60
degrees, so speed is important.

My understanding with the T rescue is that having the swimmer move to the
bow of the kayak that is assisting them is "old school." A more modern
technique has them move to their own stern and push down on it while the
assistant raises the upside down bow. Putting the swimmer in a more active
role in their own rescue can make the whole rescue go faster, communication
needs to be clear and direct and practicing helps. If the swimmer is so out
of it that they cannot help, I would recommend a "re-enter and pump" style
rescue where the kayak is simply righted, stabilized so that the swimmer can
get back in, and then as many pumps as are available and can reach the
cockpit can be used to drain the cockpit. Wherever the swimmer goes, it is
crucial that they maintain contact with the kayaks.

Best wishes,
Jan Shriner
ESKAPE Sea Kayaking
(831) 427-2297.  Web Page: http://www.eskapekayak.com

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