Re: [Paddlewise] swim support roles and tips

At 12:27 PM 8/8/00 -0400, John Waddington wrote:
>I think that Craig has made a very good point. If people are
>geared up for a day of rescues, they would approach everything
>differently than if they were planning on being there as
>supporters.
>
>About a year ago someone posted tips for kayak support boats.  It
>included things to carry (extra PFD, etc.).  I saved mine to my
>hard drive, but can no longer find it. Does anyone still have a
>copy of that list? I will be paddling support in a couple of
>weeks.
>
>John
>

John,

I agree with you that Craig Hicks did indeed make a very good point.  The
differences in kayaker vs. power boat capts. priorities and philosophies
are not universal but I they certainly approach their duties from a
different mind-set.  In this year's around manhattan race, I had an
opportunity to meet the power boat I would work with and we worked out some
good shared techniques that made the race go smoother.  I think, where
practical, meetings between the power boaters and kayakers would be very
beneficial.

I once post the following advice to swim race kayakers.  My wife told me it
sounded a little "preachy" so I have been meaning to edit it, but just
haven't got to it yet.

Regards,

Bill Leonhardt

_______________________________________________________________

Some thoughts on swim race support…             W. Leonhardt

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 in the summer of 1999.  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.   
 
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************