Things You Should Know

Managing a capsized boat

SHOULD A SMALL BOAT TIP

Paddlers must:Fallingout

  • Turn the boat over so that it is in the upright position.
  • Find paddle and any other equipment that may be floating in the water and place in boat.           

THEN -

  • Hang on to the boat and wait for help, or
  • Hang on to the boat and hand paddle and kick his/her way to shore.

 

 

SHOULD A WAR CANOE TIP …..

Crews of war canoes must use the “buddy system”.  In other words, each paddler must identify a “buddy” at the start of the practice.  In the event of a tip, each paddler must find their buddy.

  • All paddlers will attempt to locate the person directly in front of them.  Report anyone missing or injured immediately to the cox.
  • The cox shall do a head count.
  • Paddlers shall, if possible, turn the war canoe over so that it is in the upright position.
  • The cox shall do another head count.
  • Rescue boats should be on the scene by now.  Priority for getting out of the water shall be given to persons who are most in need of assistance (i.e., injured, asthma sufferers, etc.).
  • All paddlers should now be in the rescue boats.
  • The cox shall do another head count.
  • If circumstances permit, rescue boats should now, and only now, attempt to pick up any equipment (i.e., buns, paddles) which may still be floating in the water.
  • The war canoe should be towed back to the dock in the upright position.
  • As the war canoe approaches the dock, it shall be turned over again, and lifted out bow first, upside down.

Although this is an unusual occurrence, it has happened and it will happen again.  Above all, everybody must     REMAIN CALM!!!

 war canoe