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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.4.0 : Thu Aug 21 2025 - 16:33:36 PDT