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

My understanding of BCU training for the T rescue corresponds with Jan's --
that the rescuer has leeway to exercise judgment regarding where the swimmer
goes prior to re-entering the boat.  That said, the consensus among the
people I paddle with is that, other things being equal, it's best for the
swimmer to hold onto his/her own boat and paddle while the rescuer empties
and positions the boat for the re-entry.  This way, if anything separates
the rescuer from the swamped boat, the swimmer still has their equipment and
will act as a brake to prevent the boat from scudding away rapidly before
the wind.  The swimmer surrenders the paddle to the rescuer only when ready
to re-enter the boat.   Of course this presupposes that the swimmer is able
to maintain a good grasp of boat and paddle.  Having the swimmer take an
active role in emptying the boat (by pushing down on the stern on the
rescuer's cue) helps, but it probably only saves time if the swimmer has
practiced this.
    Bob V

>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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