(this is my second attempt to post this. Hopefully this one will get through...Bob) > As a member of the local Search and Rescue unit (SAR)here is my > suggestions. > First before starting out establish a float plan. Since this is night > paddling the margins for error are greater. Tell everyone to stay > together. The fast paddlers need to ease up a bit and the slow paddler > need to pick it up a bit. Make sure everyone has a whistle and some type > of reliable light. make sure everyone knows that if someone becomes > seperated from the group then the remaining paddlers gather with the > leader before searhing. Otherwise you r group is too spread out for a > search or, and I have seen this happen, the searchers become lost! > Second since this is a night paddle when something goes wrong it often > has a domino effect where things get worse quickly. If a member of the > group were missing I would gather the remaining paddlers together and > return to where the missing person was last seen. PLS (Place Last Seen in > SAR jargon.) As you return to the PLS I would fan out the remaining > paddlers to cover a lot of the search area. This includes one person > traveling as close to shore as possible. One of my concerns would be > vertigo brought on by night paddling. In this case the missing person may > not be able to respond to hails. > If the person was not found I would immediately contact the Coast > Guard. If there is a problem, sickness injury ect. then time is critical. > If I could not establish radio contact (even if there are no repeater give > it a try incase a fishing vessel picks up your message) I would send the > two fastest paddlers to paddle together back to the harbor (the reason for > two if the first rule of SAR is not to create more victims.) The remaining > paddlers would fan out and slowly paddle setting up a search pattern to > cover as much ground as possible. > > Hope this helps > Bob *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
G'Day, The following summarises some ideas five of us had on coping with a paddler lost on a night paddle (see earlier email). I've tried to summarise the responses of the five Paddlewisers: Bob Carter, Paul Hayward, Craig Jungers and Doug' Lloyd. Thank you all for taking the time to give your thoughtful and knowledgeable inputs. I've included some of my own ideas but not too many. I've only occasionally acknowledged individuals for any particular points in case I misquote or take out of context. Hopefully this summary is useful but you can't beat reading the original posts. EQUIPMENT This is a cut down version of the items that were suggested. I've included some routine equipment here because of its direct relevance to the scenario - it's obviously not a complete list of what to carry at sea: such things as tow ropes, spare paddles, food, sea worthy kayaks etc are assumed. Signalling equipment (note some of these would be carried routinely) * Whistle * 406 MHz PLB with in built GPS * VHF worn on the paddler not kept on the boat * Pre-programmed mobile phone in waterproof pack worn on paddler not kept in boat * Hand Held flares * Pen rocket flares * 3 cyalume chemical lightsticks or equivalent low level lighting * Combination Strobe and Steady PFD-mounted light * LED waterproof flashlight * PFD's to be fitted with reflective tape Other Safety Equipment * Escort boat particularly if there is no reliable (VHF or mobile phone) comm's with a search and rescue headquarters (SAR) * GPS * Ginger (for nausea) (or personal medication as required) PREPARATION There was a strong emphasis on preparation, and capability - with agreed protocols for communication including, * All paddlers to be very familiar with the route at least as a daytime paddle * Agreed signals in the event of a kayaker separating * Agreed radio channels for radio communication * Paddler and SAR mobile phone numbers preprogrammed * Agreed rescue protocols based on a buddy system * Agreed group formation and roles within the group * Agreed protocols for notifying the group of sickness or personal difficulty * Agreed protocol in event of loss of a paddler * History of paddling and carrying out exercises together * SAR to be notified of trip plan * Communication with SAR known to be possible or else cancel trip or set up an escort vessel MANAGING GROUP SPREAD Two slightly different approaches were suggested - i) The paddlers with night experience in these conditions were looking after the outer boundaries of the group ii) The group should be organised with enough paddlers with night experience to allow buddying a night experienced with a less experienced paddler It was suggested that five was too many for the group and that four would have been a more manageable group. OTOH Bob Carter pointed out the possibility for a rescue in which the group split into two groups of two. One group to search and rescue, another to go for help Throughout the paddle it was crucial to be in very regular contact either by VHF or preferably to always be within talking range Early notification of sickness or difficulties was required and of course a willingness for the whole group to return together in that event. SEQUENCE OF ACTIONS IN THE EVENT OF A LOST PADDLER 1. ORGANISING HELP The suggested sequence tended to follow the pattern * Group up * Spend about three minutes trying to contact lost paddler by VHF and/or whistle * Notify SAR or escort vessel of possible difficulty if this was not possible call Pan Pan explaining you were going to search for about ten minutes * If paddler not found after this time call SAR for help or call Mayday if SAR not contactable * One of us (me) would have called for help prior to setting up the search After calling for help there were several alternative approaches to next actions i) If SAR not raised search for another ten to fifteen minutes than paddle to start point and raise help ii) If SAR not raised split group - two kayakers to paddle for help, two to continue search iii) If SAR was raised group to stay in area and continue searching while continuing to use VHF to call missing paddler until SAR arrived 2. SEARCHING FOR THE MISSING PADDLER It was likely that the Paddler was disabled. No strobe, VHF or other lights have been switched on by the missing paddle and given the 'tight' group control one might have expected that these signals could have been used. A whistle might or might not be audible. The concensus seemed to be for about ten to fifteen minutes of searching and using a sweep of paddlers line abreast with lights switched on so that reflective tape could have been seen. (Please correct me if I'm wrong here). This suggests two sweeps I'm guessing four paddlers spread over 100 to 200 metres so a total area covered of maybe 500m x 1km. (again correct me If I'm wrong). Following this the paddlers would have gone for help or split into two groups one to search and one to go for help as suggested by Bob Carter above. Doug' pointed out the importance of knowing the current strength and direction. As it's highly likely everyone was using GPS this might already be known or be usefully checked as part of the search pattern. I would do this after calling for assistance but I'm not expert in this. Two replies suggested searching near the shore. This was probably assuming there was a gap or landing spot amongst the cliffs, and a gap in the bommies. Perhaps the slight offshore wind would have made it less likely. OTOH on the three occasions I've helped in serious search and rescues they were all found on shore eventually. Paul and Craig made the point that if you can easily get to shore or an escort boat the comms are going to be very much better. Another point worth noting is that if your VHF doesn't work in one position get someone ten or so metres away to try their VHF or paddle to a different position and try again. Its odd but I've known this to work and can think of several explanations. If I've got any of this wrong or made an inappropriate emphasis please let me know. All the best and again thanks, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
On Mon, Jul 6, 2009 at 6:21 AM, rebyl_kayak <rebyl_kayak_at_energysustained.com > wrote: > > The following summarises some ideas five of us had on coping with a paddler > lost on a night paddle (see earlier email). I've tried to summarise the > responses of the five Paddlewisers: Bob Carter, Paul Hayward, Craig Jungers > and Doug' Lloyd. Thank you all for taking the time to give your thoughtful > and > knowledgeable inputs. I think that does cover it pretty well. Bound to be things that come up in the moment but it certainly gives one room for thought and planning. Night paddles can be very difficult and open water night paddles need to be very carefully planned. There is, actually, a route out of San Francisco Bay that corresponds well to Peter's scenario. It's a southerly paddle from the Golden Gate to Pillar Point (the northernmost limit of Monterrey Bay). The last time I covered this route was in a sailboat however the circumstances were bizarre. Ended up helping to recover a half-sunken outboard skiff from which one body had already been recovered (by a friend who had passed by earlier). In the days before widespread use of electronic navigation equipment we often used our depth sounders as navigational aids. When I found the skiff there was no VHF contact with USCG so I jotted down the fathom line we were on and sailed back north until we could raise them. Then I gave the approximate position to the USCG who asked us to take it in tow (never try to tow a half-sunken skiff!) and wait for Pillar Point Marina staff to come. We then sailed back in until we were at the same depth indication and followed that fathom-line south until we could again see the glint of sunlight reflected off the triangle of the aluminum bow (the only thing sticking up above the water). Tried to take it in tow (wondering if there was yet another body inside) but failed. Ended up standing by until the Pillar Point patrol boat arrived and took over. We anchored that night in the small cover right next to the famous Pismo Beach Golf Club where Bing Crosby played in his invitational. Aboard the 50-footer who had found the skiff first we toasted the fishermen who had died when they over-estimated the ability of their little boat to survive the ocean and bid them RIP. A 16-foot aluminum outboard boat is no match for the ocean on a bad day. Hard way to learn a lesson. When Peter mentioned cliffs and no landings, spotty VHF and possible poor weather I thought back to this particular route even though it's consdierably longer. This was 30 years ago so maybe there is VHF now. But maybe not. Never rely on just one thing. I would never take paddlers along that route without a safety vessel or intimate local knowledge. Certainly never at night. But then, I'm an ol' guy and starting to think I might make it to 70. There's a shock! Craig Jungers Moses Lake, WA - www.nwkayaking.net *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
Good summary Peter. Been busy getting ready for family kayaking trip to BC's Sunshine Coast, so sorry if I didn't give you enough feedback here and there as time tight. Gotta fix a boat too - them skegs are kinky if you know what I mean. Getting back to the gear thing, the list is all well and good. Make sure all gear is accessible would be one thing to add (can't remember if it was ever mentioned). Night time makes it even more important. I usually don a helmet for night paddling in rougher stuff and cyalume chemical lightsticks or low-output equivalents are easy to mount. If not rough, I still take a helmet along unless it really is dead flat flat are distances are short. If I had a big enough group, I'd like a couple of paddlers to stay in the relative same area as the missing paddler thereby approximating similar drift rates if there is a current running. You would need a minimum of two leaders for a group this size that had undisputable situational awareness in night paddling in rough water. Few paddler do. More chance with top-trained paddlers who have conducted night training in this arena of SAR self-help, etc.. As for how long one should wait, if a paddler has gone down in the conditions suggested, though not aggressively rough, I still think time is critical - time measured in minutes as far as initiating a search grid. The paddler who was buddied up or beside the missing paddler just before visual/audio loss needs to pull his or her act together pronto and assist with the leaders immediate plans. Said paddler can explain later why they lost track of their buddy who hopefully is found (alive). Calling the rescue authorities should be done fairly soon. I'm investigating an incident here in Victoria with 12 paddlers off Trail Island, five in water, and Rescue Coordination was really upset that there wasn't a Pan Pan sooner than later. Triangulation, drift computations, reserving resource procurement, etc. Sorry for my generalization regarding Aussies. More of an observation than a judgment based on some down-under blogs, etc. Plus, I was annoyed a couple of years back when you and Paddlewisers were generally not too receptive to my evening storm paddling sorties, when in fact those are some of my most favorite moments out there (currently under severe restriction due to special spousal request). Garbage bags? Yes, please pack out your garbage. :-) Hopefully not needed as a body bag. Even with good paddlers and good planning things can go awry (shoulder dislocations, catastrophic boat failure, etc). I carried bags for years and a heavy duty orange one too. Gave up the practice. The other gear you listed should be sufficient. I'd rather carry an extremely loud noisemaker for alerting companions in the event of night-time difficulty of other loss of visibility than carry thin plastic products of questionable effectiveness, though we all like our security blankets. Escort boats? Shhhh! Someone might hear you and make it law one day. Gung ho paddlers please just keep off the "radar" and out of sight of "the Man." Matt's story? Compelling in that these were good, intelligent paddlers on the whole who allowed themselves to get boxed into a corner. "Sheltered water" is a relative term. The only sheltered water I know of is in my backyard pool.. Anyway, if you truly want your kayaking to be a G'Day or even a G'Night, ensure you boat and gear are seaworthy, your individual and group skills exceed the task at hand; that there in proper prior planning and adequate adjunctive backup that is inclusive of exceptional seamanship. In a mixed group, coherent leadership is more than a must. Poor leadership can make a bad situation so much worse. Leadership is so important it almost overshadows everything else in your excellent summary. Doug Lloyd (whose having a kinky week) *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
G'Day Doug' Thanks for that. Really should rewrite the summary to include those ideas but maybe it can be an essential addendum. One of the many things that struck me from your post was: - >If I had a big enough group, I'd like a couple of paddlers to stay in the >relative same area as the missing paddler thereby approximating similar >drift rates if there is a current running.where the last paddler was last seen. I did wonder about taking a floating light to drop overboard the way racing yachts throw a flag over the side when a man goes overboard. But figured if I thought I was going to need one of those then the trip would definitely be off. As you suggested a <gear> list is all very well but! You also wrote "Garbage bags? Yes, please pack out your garbage" - Now I remember why I took them:~) All the best, Hope your Gold Coast trip goes well, PeterO *************************************************************************** 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/ ***************************************************************************
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