A Course for Safe Boating

111 / 135

California Boating A Course for Safe Boating 109
Chapter 5 u Accident Prevention and Rescue
Stop & Pull Over
Help or First Aid Needed
HAND SIGNALS
PADDLING ON WHITEWATER
Paddling on whitewater requires skill and experience. The added danger of
moving water makes capsizing very dangerous.
Prevention
ƒ ƒ The crew should check the water flow and weather conditions before
starting out.
ƒ ƒ Be sure to have the proper life jackets and clothing for the weather and
water conditions.
ƒ ƒ Carry a throw bag and other safety equipment and know how to use them.
ƒ ƒ Do not carry too many passengers on the raft or boat.
ƒ ƒ The crew should be familiar with the basic rules of river safety.
ƒ ƒ Do not paddle on rivers that are too swift or dangerous for your abilities.
ƒ ƒ Know and practice the procedures for prevention of a “wrap.” This
technique is known as a “highside.”
ƒ ƒ Know hand signals.
ƒ ƒ Know and practice the swimmer’s position, and swimming to an eddy.
Self-Rescue
ƒ ƒ If your boat capsizes or you fall overboard, stay on the upstream end of
the craft. This prevents your chance of being pinned against obstacles in
the water.
ƒ ƒ Hold on to your boat unless it threatens your safety.
ƒ ƒ Float on your back, feet-first downstream, to the nearest eddy or calm area.
Keep your toes up out of the water. This position allows you to push away
from obstacles and prevents your feet from getting caught in anything under
the water.
Are You OK? Yes, I’m OK Pointing Positive “A Safe Place to Go”