Rescue Someone From a Kayak
Kayaking is more of a team sport than we might think and being able to wrangle someone from your kayak is an essential skill. In this article, Simon Coward from AQ Outdoors talks about his preferred method of rescue and how to get someone back into their kayak if they are struggling to do so themselves.
The most important thing is to make sure that it is safe for you and the victim to attempt a rescue. If there is a chance that your kayak will be pushed away from the person in the water, or that the water movement could cause neck, back or skeletal injuries then it may be best to call 911 and let the Coast Guard or Harbor Master know what has happened. Then they can send the nearest boat or even a helicopter to perform the actual rescue.
You can also try to attract the attention of other boaters. This can be done by shouting, waving a flag or using the whistle that you keep stowed away in your PFD. Hopefully other kayakers will be able to see what has happened and come over to assist. If they can’t then you might need to use the VHF radio or other communication device that you might have on you.
Once it is clear that the situation is safe it is time to start thinking about how to get the person back into their Kayak. You will likely still have some water sloshing around in the cockpit from when they flippered, but this is not a big deal. What is more important is that the person who has flipped is out of harm’s way – in a safer surf zone or further away from the cliff where they fell off.
How Do You Rescue Someone From a Kayak?
To do this you will need to get the kayak on edge and have it close enough that the person in the water can reach over the side and grab the handhold. This is why it is recommended to have some flotation in your kayak so that you can grab onto it in this situation.
Once you have the handhold in hand you can instruct the person to move toward the bow of the kayak. This will give them a good position to grab the kayak and then to be able to swim away from the cockpit should the kayak be driven towards them by the current or by other boaters trying to perform a rescue. It is also good practice to have a person in the bow that can keep an eye on the kayak in case of this happening.
Inflatable Kayaks: Inflatable kayaks have become increasingly popular due to their portability and convenience. These kayaks are made from durable, air-filled materials, which allow them to be deflated and stored in a compact space when not in use. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for people who don’t have space for a hard-shell kayak. Inflatable kayaks are available in both recreational and whitewater models.
Racing Kayaks: Racing kayaks are designed for competitive athletes and are built for speed and performance. These kayaks are long, narrow, and lightweight, with a focus on minimal resistance in the water. They are typically used in sprint racing and marathon events, and their design prioritizes speed over stability or storage space.
