Re: [Paddlewise] is there a rescue/recovery technique for this scenario?

> If you are with someone, or you come across someone while paddling, who is
> in their kayak, upside down, and unconscious, dead, or drowning and unable
> to assist in their own recovery, is there a technique for righting the
> person and getting their face out of the water, if not their kayak right
> side up.  I have not had this situation occur, BTW, but would like to be
> able to deal with it if it were to occur.

This rescue has several names.  One of the repliers called it a "Hand of
God" rescue.  I've learned it as a "trapped paddler rescue."  The previous
descriptions have it right, except for one important detail, which I will
point out as I reach it.

Come abreast of the inverted boat and reach across to the opposite side,
grabbing the coaming, or the paddler's PFD, anything that affords a good
grip. Eventually, you'll want to have a good grip on the paddler's PFD.
(Now here comes the important detail) AS YOU PULL THE TRAPPED PADDLER UP
WITH ONE HAND, PUSH HIS HULL DOWN AND AWAY FROM YOURS WITH THE OTHER.  This
rotates his boat under him and greatly facilitates the maneuver.

With this technique, you will probably be able to bring the trapped paddler
upright -- if not, you will definitely be able to bring his head above the
surface.  If the individual is unconscious and you can't bring him
completely upright, push his body back into a layback position while
continuing to lift with one hand and rotating the hull away with the other.
That ought to do the trick.  Having a third paddler to assist from the
victim's other side can be handy.

Pray you never need it, and practice it so that it'll be there if you do.

Happy and safe new year to all.

Bob V

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