[Paddlewise] Entrapment

Dave posted (snip):
>>What opinions exist on how to rescue capsized paddlers who are entrapped
in their boats either from panic or some physical obstacle.   I'm only aware
of two rescues for entrapment, the eskimo bow rescue (giving the bow of your
boat to the capsized paddler, who can then use it to right themselves) or a
"hands of god" (coming up parallel to the capsized paddler, reaching
underneath the capsized boat, grabbing them by the life vest and physically
righting them). I have only practiced these rescues and I wonder how well
these might work in a real situation.<<

At the risk of stating the obvious, every "real" situation is going to be so
very unique; but essentially, I can't think of any other common, recognized
methods than those stated. There are variations. And certainly, one needs to
judge each situation in the context it arises. Fortunately, most paddlers
will never encounter such a situation, though the only way you are going to
know how the mechanics of the two indicated rescues work is to practice them
with your buddies, which will no doubt be in ideal conditions (and I don't
mean the water conditions).

As for the real thing, the Eskimo Bow Rescue works well if you can get over
quickly and the paddler in distress is "hunting" for a bow. Pulling
alongside, if you don't have the time or ability to manoeuvre quickly,
combined with some deck rigging for the person being rescued to grab, can
work well too. Bridging your paddle shaft across their hull and your deck
makes for a good pull-up method as long as the upside-down paddler knows
what to do. For the Hand of God Rescue, you can hurt your musculature if not
careful, not to mention getting slashed up and loosing your glasses, etc,
trying to help a panicked paddler with sharp fingernails or one turned
super-human, respectively.

I myself, would be prepared to take my inflatable vest off, pull the
inflator, and somehow offer it to the paddler if they were breaking surface
now and again, and I thought this would help. Likewise, I'd be prepared to
quickly assess each situation on a case by case basis and offer help by
hopefully thinking outside the box -- while attempting to maintain personal
safety.

As with a lot of potential dangerous kayak scenarios, they are usually
easily preventable, so that is always the place to start. Certainly on an
exposed coast trip, I'd be inclined to check over the other paddlers gear
and share their thoughts with respect to potential problems and what they
intend to do if something became an issue (like, "Hey Steve, what you gonna
do if that spray skirt release strap rips off when you need it most?").

In terms of paddling up to an unknown situation with a stricken paddler,
obviously still alive and kicking (that's probably why they aren't exiting
gracefully), I'd be real careful. Do however, give this situation the utmost
priority, whether you know the paddler or not, and especially if they are a
new paddler. There was an incident a couple of years back, back east (USA),
where a student dies during a very short-durational entrapment situation. It
can happen.

Here's a link to an article I wrote on the subject (based on data largely
accumulated by Matt B.). It focuses more on the individual paddler's
responsibility, rather than those around them, as this prevention through
personal awareness is where the emphasis is needed in my opinion. If the
opening sequence seems over-the-top, just remember, most of the stuff I
contribute to Sea Kayaker has often been toned down!

http://www.seakayakermag.com/2003/03April/Entrapment/Entrapment_01.htm

It would be nice to hear from anyone else who has had to perform the Hand of
God Rescue. It would also be nice to hear back from Mark, as to whether he
got any more information about the possible entrapment death he reported to
Paddlewise.

Mark posted (snip):

From: "Mark Arnold" <mjamja_at_earthlink.net>
Subject: [Paddlewise] Tx Kayak Fatality Followup

>>>I have not had a lot of success in getting information on the accident at
Austwell.  The Coast Guard is not involved in the investigation.   The
primary investigating officer from the sheriff's department has been off
duty since shortly after the accident and I have not been able to talk with
him.  I did talk with the 2nd officer at the scene.<<<

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC
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