|
Swiftwater Safety Suggestions |
|
|
|
Written by Justin Herreman
|
|
Tuesday, 18 May 2010 |
With many local creeks near flood stage and the weather warming up we remind local
boaters to paddle safely. Here are a few thoughts on that subject:
- If you're not prepared, stay out of the water!
- Engage your brain "before" putting on the water.
- Never paddle moving water alone: NEVER!
- If ANYONE in your group is uncomfortable with stream level or conditions, stay out of the water.
- If anyone becomes exhausted or uncomfortable with flows or conditions at any time, get them out of the water.
- "If in doubt, scout!" Know what is around the next corner TODAY or stop and find out.
- Respect the power of moving water, especially at high flows.
- Cold water affects your motor skills and coordination even when air temps are in the 80’s or 90’.
- Have and practice the skills, knowledge and experience to safely navigate hazards before paddling anywhere.
- Wear and use proper safety gear. Basic paddling safety gear (the first 5 are essential):
The Boat:
Know your boat. There are many options for varying experience levels and paddling styles. A "safe" boat for one paddler may not be as safe for a less expeienced partner. A "rec" boat will not turn out of the current as easily as a whitewater boat, but its keel will make it go the direction you point it better.
Paddle.
Yes, this is safety gear. A good quality, properly fit paddle makes each paddle stroke more effective and less tiring, thus safer. Typically, flat water paddles are longer than whitewater padles. The shorter whitewater paddle will make a huge diffference in your paddle stroke on our shallow creeks.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or Life Jacket.
This piece of safety gear is a necessity that must be worn whenever you are on the water, even if the kayaker is an expert swimmer. Cold, fast water can easily render you unable to keep yourself above water; this is where your PFD comes into play. Always wear your PFD before you enter your kayak. Get the proper size and keep it strapped tight to your body. Do not store your PFD in the kayak and wait till you capsize to put it on.
Helmet
Helmet is another essential piece of safety gear in moving water. Rivers and creeks have rocks and boulders; many times they are submerged or just below the surface and are hard to see. In the event you flip your boat or swim your helmet will protect your head from injury. Don't thump your melon, wear your helmet!
Spray Skirt
"Real Men Wear Skirts." The spray skirt keeps water or spray from entering the kayak through the rim or cockpit of the boat. This piece of gear
reduces the risk of your boat submerging due to water in the boat. Make sure you know how to safely wet exit your boat before attempting to paddle any water. A well practiced Eskimo roll combined with a well fitted spray skirt can save you a very cold swim. A skirt will also keep you safer in waves and prevent you from having to bail out your boat.
Proper Flotation
This is practically a sixth piece of essential safety gear, especially in larger recreation kayaks. When your boat fills with water it gets amazingly heavy. Remember water weighs 8 pounds per gallon, with the average recreation kayak being in the 80-90 gallon size your boat can go from a svelte 40 pounds to over 700 pounds when full of water! Float bags displace much of the water that would otherwise accumulate in a capsized boat. This displacement keeps your boat lighter, aids in floatation and makes it much more manageable in recovery. Try filling and wrangling your boat in flat water before taking it down the creek into moving water.
Proper Clothing
Make sure that you are properly equipped for immersion. Cotton jeans and a t-shirt are not proper or safe apparel to wear down the creek when air temps are hovering in the 40's. Plan for immersion and avoid hypothermia. Dry suits, wet suits and paddle jackets are all excellent options in cold water conditions. Don't forget to cover your head! A neoprene beanie cap will conserve a lot of body heat and keep you much warmer. Packing a set of warm clothes along with you in a dry bag (which then doubles as one of your float bags) is another excellent idea. You never know when you might need to change into warm dry clothing. A second set of warm clothes at the takeout will keep you from shivering too much while loading your boat up for the drive home. Footwear of some type is also important. The rocks in our local creeks can be very sharp; if your feet are numb you might step on a sharp edge and split your foot open without even realizing it. Make sure your choice of footwear fits inside the boat while on your feet!
Rope or throw bag.
If you know how to use one, each group should have several. Practice using them!
Common Sense & Good Judgment
This is the most important piece of safety gear you own, even more important than your PFD. Good judgment and experience are what keep you safe and alive. If something make you uncomfortable or doesn't feel safe than don't do it! It is better to walk a rapid safely and paddle it another day at a lower level. Knowing your skill level and comfort zone and what you can safely and comfortably paddle will help keep you safe, warm and happy.
Some lessons and instruction from a qualified individual is another great idea to keep you safe. Locally, Chad Andrew is an ACA certified instructor and has multiple classes this summer.
Be safe out there! See you on the water! |
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 May 2010 )
|
