143035_DBW Course_r3

Chapter 5 X Accident Prevention and Rescue

ƒ You may need to turn onto your stomach and swim hard to an eddy or the shore to avoid upcoming rapids, or if help is not nearby. ƒ Do not attempt to stand in swift water. If your foot gets wedged in the rocks, the force of the water can push you over and hold you under. ƒ You should avoid strainers if you can. If you are swept into a strainer, then you should swim hard toward it and vigorously climb your way to the top as you hit it. Assisted Rescue ƒ If someone falls overboard, crew members will “point positive” toward a safe place. ƒ The swimmer in the water should listen for instructions from the guide. ƒ A paddle or oar can be extended to the person overboard if he or she is close. ƒ You must use a throw bag if the current is swift, or the victim is too far away. To use a throw bag: ƒ Clearly yell the person’s name to attract his or her attention. » Throw the bag so it hits the swimmer or lands slightly upstream. » The swimmer should grab the rope and bring it over his or her shoulder. This keeps the person in swimmer’s position with his or her face out of the water. » The swimmer should not grab the bag because the remaining rope will continue to be pulled out and he or she will be carried farther downstream. » Rope should never be wrapped around an arm or wrist. This could cause serious injury. » The rope thrower should be prepared for a jolt when the rope tightens. » Pull the swimmer toward shore or the boat. » When pulled back to the boat, you can lift the swimmer aboard by grabbing the shoulder straps of his or her life jacket. Do not pull the victim by his or her arm or wrist. ƒ Paddlers should never put themselves in danger to rescue another. ƒ Helping swimmers is the first priority. Saving equipment should wait until after all swimmers have been helped. Seek help from passing boaters if an accident happens. Most commercial rafts have guides who know how to handle emergencies. On remote sections of a river, stay on the riverbank. Chances are, help will come to you faster than you can find it. If you must leave an accident site to seek help, follow the riverbank to the closest available help. Do not try to go overland unless you’re familiar with the area.

SWIMMER’S POSITION

WEBSITE For AquaSmart paddle safety videos on whitewater, flatwater, ocean and SUP, scan the QR codes below.”

These videos illustrate many of the bullet points found on these pages; learning these quick tips on personal, boat and water safety before you paddle or raft could save your life!

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California Course for Safe Boating