The Assisted Re-entry

Probably one of the most handy paddling skills when it comes to getting a fellow paddler back in a kayak is the Assisted Re-entry.

There are heaps of variations to the theme of this skill, but this particular method I have found to work in a range of sea conditions and in rough water protects the shoulders of the assisting paddler really well as well as the head, arms and shoulders of the paddler in the water.

No matter what your preferred option, you must practice in a range of environments, particularly those you will be paddling in. Do not assume that you can perform the rescue in rough conditions unless this has been practiced.

1    Approach the bow of the overturned kayak. Ensure the swimmer remains on the opposite side of the boat and away from you to avoid the swimmer being rammed and so they don't try and board your kayak if panicked.    

 

2    Clear, distinct directions are important. Have the swimmer move to the stern of their kayak. Firmly grip the bow of the overturned kayak and manoeuvre it perpendicular to your kayak, forming a T with the two boats. The swimmer may be able to help you by moving the stern of the boat.

 

3    On a three count, the swimmer puts their body weight onto the stern of the upturned kayak while you lift the bow. Imagine pulling your kayak under the bow. Slightly rocking the kayak breaks the seal formed when the cockpit is in the water.

 

4    Keeping a good grip on the bow of the overturned kayak, pull your kayak under the bow of the overturned kayak. Slowly lift the cockpit clear of the surface of the water. Drain as much water as possible. Watch out for loose items in the cockpit that may float away.

 

5    Slowly roll the overturned kayak, ensuring you do not scoop water into the cockpit. Be sure to warn the swimmer that you are going to roll the kayak to avoid hitting them with the rudder, if fitted. The swimmer should maintain contact with their boat, but should beware of the thin rudder cables, if fitted, as they can easily cut soft wet hands.

6     Position the kayaks side-by-side (bow to stern). Place the paddles across the kayaks, gripping them against your body as you hold the empty cockpits rim. Have the swimmer move next to the cockpit, maintaining contact with their boat.

 

7    Have the swimmer bring one arm across their cockpit and grip the rim closest to the rescuer, the other hand on the rim nearest their body. The swimmers then lets their feet float to the surface. The swimmer then kicks their legs and seal-launches their upper body across the rear of their cockpit.

 

   Staying flat against the boat, keeping their head down and their weight along the center line of the kayak, the swimmer faces the stern of the kayak and slides their legs and body down into the cockpit until their backside is above the seat.

 

9    The swimmer then rotates and sits up fully in the boat. The rescuer holds the kayak and paddles until the rescued person is stable. The rescuer then helps remove any remaining water and helps fit the spray skirt . Be sure to look around at this time to see if you are in any further danger.

 

10    If you are not in any further danger and there is no need to immediately move, take a moment to chat with the swimmer, find out how they feel and if they are ok. Ending up in the water can be more than a little bit of a surprise for some people - a few reassuring words at this time can help immensely.

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