Canoe Safety 5 So-o-o-o You Are In the Water!
What to expect
All of the team will be moving in to assist you. As discussed at the safety training - try to get hold of your canoe for support. If your canoe is upside down you can put one hand on the keel and feel with the other hand for the hand holds that are at the end of each canoe,this will give you extra control. Take a few moments to assess yourself and your situation, be ready to answer some routine questions
- Do I have any injuries?
- Are my clothes snagged on anything?
- Can I hear instructions clearly?
- Is there any undertow?
- How strong is it?
- Am I dealing with really cold water?
- Am I aware of any danger to rescuers?
My suggestions for the team are
- The simplest method to get you rescued is to have you hold onto a team member’s canoe , holding on at the back, so your weight is evenly distributed across the canoe, and be towed to shore with an escorting canoe behind or beside you.
- An alternative method is to pull you up onto a canoe.
- Your situation will govern the choice. While you are in the water you will be quickly surrounded by caring support. You can rely on the team , they are trained to help you. You will hear the leaders giving instructions to the other paddlers.