SAFE KAYAKING

KAYAK SAFETY WITH AN OPEN WATER SWIMMER

Beth Barnes, Open Water Kayak Support

www.ikayak4u.com

 

I AM YOUR OPEN WATER LANE LINE:

I have developed a passion for a new sport taking my life in a new direction.  Kayaking next to open water swimmers, elite, novice and youth, has given me a chance to blend two lifelong passions, to nurture and to be on the open water, into one explosive one.  During the 2010 Catalina Channel Swim Federation Season I participated in 12 swims and various other open water competitions.

 

As kayak support for open water swimmers I am there to provide a watchful and encouraging eye; to be the swimmers ears, eyes, beacon and gauge to measure safety, conditions and course.   We’re a finely tuned team as we travel through the water together; the swimmer setting the pace, the kayaker setting the course. 

 

Safety and preparation first…and all else naturally follows.

Beth Barnes escorting Jason Lassen, Catalina (San Pedro) Channel breast stroke record holder

 

 

 

YOUTH SAFETY:

·        The kayaker is not only setting the course but also making decisions on behalf of the minor swimmer while they are in the water, with parents input, approval and blessing.

·        Let minors know that it’s serious and dangerous swimming in the open water and despite swimming skills and expertise, any thing can happen.  Plan for the best but always be ready for the worst.

·        Do not scare the minors only let them know the intensity of the endeavor and the thrill of the accomplishment.

·        Stress respect.  As a kayaker, respect all swimmers despite age or ability.  Support swimmers in their pursuits, and in return they must respect the kayaker, their experience and their judgement.  The kayaker shares the swimmers vision and their pursuit of achievement within the parameters of safety.  Kayakers also share the victory of the swim whether it’s complete, incomplete, fast, slow or otherwise.  The minor swimmer and kayaker work together to achieve a goal but even the pursuit of a goal is victory in itself.

·        Kayakers should liaise with parents to help them understand motivations for safety and also help them to understand that their concerns are also the kayakers concerns.

·        As with adults, rules for safety in open water swimming apply to youth.  See below.

 

OPEN WATER SWIMMER SAFETY:

 

Q:               What can you as the kayaker do for me the swimmer that I can’t do for myself alone or with a buddy in the water?

 

A:                I can see what you cannot see, I can hear what you cannot hear and I can determine where the line is drawn between a risky situation and a safe situation.  I can concentrate on safety and steering a true course while you concentrate on reaching your destination by swimming without having to worry about the details.

 

Q:               If I become distressed, what can you do to help me?

A:                I am always looking for signs of distress, maybe even before you see them.  I am looking for a slowed stroke count, slurred speech, disorientation or trouble with feeding and hydrating.  If there is ANY misgiving, even the slightest indication I will raise the alarm with race directors, support boat or via a marine band emergency radio.  If I’m alone I will take measures to get you onto the kayak until help arrives.

 

Q:               Will there be a ‘plan’ before we get into the open water?

A:                A ‘plan’ is the first thing the swimmer and kayaker should always discuss.  If it is the first time meeting there are questions to ask and guidelines to discuss.  Some first questions to be answered by the swimmer before entering the water:

 

·        What is your normal stroke count and does it slow progressively or is it constant?  Kayaker will be monitoring stroke count at regular intervals.

·        How do you breathe?  One side or bi-lateral?  The answer to this will determine position of the kayak but it might also take time to establish the perfect positioning once the swim is underway.

·        What is your desired feeding schedule and what do you eat/drink?

·        Do you want me to alert you to the presence of marine life in the water?

·        How do you want me to alert you when it’s time to eat? 

·        Do you trust me to make decisions concerning your safety while you’re in the water?

 

Q:               What kind of contact will we have between the kayak and swimmer?

A:                If you would like encouragement during the swim I will encourage sporadically or constantly.  I am here to make you swim safe, swim hard and swim to your best ability.  If you swim best with encouragement or with solitude, I will respect that request.  If you want me to watch you constantly, I will.  If not, I will watch as you swim enough so that I know you are safe. 

 

Q:               If I need to stop the swim immediately, what will I do to alert you, the swimmer?

A:                Crucial to know the signal for stopping the swim.  For me as a kayaker, the paddle raised above my head is always my preferred method.  I would discourage a loud whistle because with earplugs, the sound of splashing and other outside distractions could keep the swimmer from hearing.  Also, in certain populated waters, the sound of a whistle may be a signal that the lifeguards or other authorities use to signal certain dangers.  The sign to stop should ONLY be used in a dire emergency so it remains the emergency measure of the highest and most crucial order.

 

Q:               Are you peeing?

A:                In the beginning stages of hypothermia, bladder and kidney functions can start to shut down.  Urine is the result of your kidneys filtering water and other chemicals out of your blood so it is very important to monitor urination.  I will occasionally ask if you are peeing.

 

Q:               What will you be drinking during your swim and are there any special requirements?

A:                A swimmer needs to hydrate and feed during a long distance swim.    Swimmers should be strongly advised not to change their feeding routine before a swim.  It’s important to the success of the scheduled swim that the status quo of training is adhered to so there is no chance to experience adverse reactions to a new schedule or product.  Understand that the swimmer may also have special requirements that include ibuprofen,  Dramamine/bonine or mouthwash especially in salt water.  Be warned that NO pharmaceuticals, even over-the-counter should ever be administered unless under specific guidance and request of the swimmer.  Never make a solo decision to administer pharmaceuticals.

 

Q:               What is your oldest child’s name?   Where were your born?

Curious questions?  Maybe not!  Short-term memory loss can be a signal of the early stages of hypothermia so if there is any doubt in the kayakers mind about the well being of the swimmer, the kayaker must ask occasional questions to verify that the swimmer is not only strong of body but strong of mind.   It is probably best not to ask the answers to the questions you plan to ask in the water prior to the swim because there’s a chance the swimmer may simply repeat them from memorization.  Think of this prior to the swim then during simple conversation it will be easy to determine the answers to questions you might want to ask during the swim.

 

Q:               Is there any circumstances when the swimmer will be asked to get out of the water?

During a sanctioned swim, there will be officials who will have the ultimate authority to pull a swimmer from the water if they believe there is any threat to their well-being.  During a training swim with a kayaker, it’s important for kayaker and swimmer to understand that the kayaker will have authority to pull the swimmer out if there is any misgiving about their well-being.   Safety trumps everything else, every time.

 

Open water swimming is a sport with many variables, perhaps the one biggest draw to the adventure driven athlete.  It also is a sport that shows no margin for error when it comes to calculating risks.  Risk, however should never overshadow the thrill of the open water.  Whether you are swimming for enjoyment or swimming for the win, remember that a competent kayaker on your team can only enhance the experience.

 

 

ITEMS TO HAVE ON THE KAYAK:

·        Paddle, Seat and Paddle Leash, 8’ bowline

·        Coast Guard approved PFD for paddler and extra for distressed swimmer

·        Waterproof container with paddlers emergency info, $20, phone, copy of Medical Ins. card with signed permission to treat

·        Marine Band radio (in open ocean)

·        Whistle

·        2-3 light sticks

·        Extra flotation device for distressed swimmer

·        Orange signal flag

·        Hydration/food for paddler

·        Mesh bag for feeds with caribeener for attachment to boat

·        Extra cap and goggles, at swimmers request

·        Kayak car straps in case a swim does not end where it began

·        Dry clothes or towel as stowage permits if swim does not end where it began

 

You are a lone swimmer, but with a caring and experienced kayaker you will never be alone!

 

 

©beth barnes 2010