RE: [Paddlewise] How would you deal with the following situation

> -----Original Message-----
> From: ralph diaz [mailto:rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com]
> 
> It sounds like one workable scenario to me.  And I would like to know
> what others think about it?  Has any one been in such a predicament?

  I haven't had to rescue a panicked swimmer from my kayak, but have rescued
a fair number of folks both in swimming pools and open water (Lake
Michigan).  Unless you're a trained lifeguard and a very good swimmer, you
do not ever want to make personal contact with a panicked or struggling
swimmer (even if you are you won't want to!).

  The comments sound pretty good to me but it could/would be dangerous -
someone who is struggling in the water will do anything they can to keep
their head above water - including climb right up your body and stand on
your shoulders!

 Try to make and keep eye contact - it's reassuring.  Talking to the
victim(s)is important.  Getting control of the panic is critical.  In rough
water this can be difficult - with only your head out of the water it's hard
to see something else (the victim) from very far away and wind can make it
difficult to communicate.

  I wouldn't try something like this unless I was certain that I could make
it to shore even if help did not arrive (taking into account water temp,
distance, water conditions, etc).  Once an untrained invidual has sacrificed
their kayak they're not much use out there in the water beyond helping to
quell panic.  There may come a point though, where you would have to make
the choice of leaving while you still can.  DO NOT CREATE ANOTHER VICTIM!!!!


  As I think about this longer, perhaps the best course of action might be
to dump the kayak, push it from the bow or stern to a victim (if there are
two and they're separated you will have to make a choice), and then head for
shore yourself if it is within your ability - if it's not maybe you
shouldn't have put yourself in that position.....  There's not a whole lot
that you're going to be able to do for them if you're not trained and your
risk could be high.  Don't attempt something like this at the edge of your
personal performance/safety envelope - there's no guarantee that help will
arrive in time.

 I cannot stress strongly enough how dangerous it is to be in the water with
someone who believes that they're going to drown.  The strength and energy
they can exhibit while trying to defeat death can be incredible until they
become exhausted.


Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska 
 
***************************************************************************
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/
***************************************************************************