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Rescue in Rough Conditions Using Eskimo rescues in deep water calls for good cooperation of both the capsized paddler and the rescuer. The first step in the Eskimo rescue is for the capsized kayaker to pound on the hull of her kayak to attract attention. Sounds get lost in winds and waves and, in my experience, no one really knows there’s been a capsize until they see the upturned hull. The capsized paddler who stays in the cockpit can pound on the hull and might also try to attract attention by waving her arms and shifting her attention to sculling or swimming for air. Ultimately the likelihood of getting a rescuer to come depends upon how well and how often your paddling partners check on you as a matter of their normal group paddling habit. When you come up for air, you’ll be able to see only in one direction and won’t be able to see far if the water is rough. In a real capsize situation, you’ll have to decide if you can rely on your rescuer to sprint to rescue you. If you think there’s a chance that no one in your group has seen you capsize, you may have to wet exit and take aggressive action to signal your partners. Now let’s turn to the rescuer who has just sighted a capsized kayak. The rescuer should keep his wits and anticipate how to approach the capsized kayak for a fast and safe rescue. In this context, fast means choosing an appropriate course toward the capsized kayak. A course slightly off to the side will be safer—it avoids ramming the capsized kayak—and sets you up to make a braking turn to kill speed and bring the kayaks together at an acute angle, minimizing the chance and severity of injury or damage. If the rescuer doesn’t see the capsized kayaker sculling up on the side he’s approached, he may have to pound sharply on the hull to make his presence known and to indicate the capsized paddler can switch sides for the Eskimo rescue. (If the capsized paddler hasn’t surfaced, then a Hand-of-God rescue [see “The Hand-of-God Rescue,” SK, June ’00] is in order.) |
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