Rescue 111 or May Day-May Day-May Day When it all goes wrong we rely on these calls to save our bacon. However these fearless rescuers will all say that you are always better to avoid the need for a rescue in the first place, as often rescuers don’t arrive in time or cannot find you. In the most tragic scenarios the rescuer becomes another victim through their brave efforts to save the caller. So how do we protect ourselves and in doing so remove the need to put our rescue services in harms way to save us? The answer is simple yet often ignored. Skills, knowledge and the correct equipment will keep you out of harms way. Your skills will allow you to cope with any conditions that your knowledge says is within your skill range. The correct well maintained equipment allows your skills to be used and removes the likelihood of a problem being caused by equipment failure. However your skills and knowledge should be able to deal with any equipment failure with a back up option. How do you know your skills are as good as they can be?
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ISSUE THIRTYs
even • 2006
There are many ways to do this. Learn from a qualified instructor the correct way to paddle. Brush up your existing skills with a qualified instructor. Get assessed for a national award, as this gives you a comprehensive check of your skills and knowledge. To continue the development of your skills, I have found that practising in different water and weather conditions invaluable to developing sound strong skills. i.e. if wanting to improve your self rescues and team rescues, practice them in calm water and progressively try them in rougher conditions. Always make sure you have a buddy with you and that the conditions are within your skill range and that if the rescue does not work you have a solid back up plan. For example Check that you and your buddy can paddle in the conditions. Check that any current and wind will carry you to safety. Check that your clothing can keep you warm. Practise your Stern Deck Rescue so if your T Rescue fails you can give your buddy a lift to the beach.