River Safety

Comment from Rob Hill (KZN Safety Officer): Whilst marshalling along the river during the DRAK event I witnessed some interesting and at times some scary incidents, which raises some concerns, especially with the Dusi looming.

These issues have been raised previously, however I thought it opportune that we highlight certain points for you to take forward & mull over, so to speak.!

Boat capsizes & wraps due to traffic congestion in technical sections, where boats are trying to overtake slower traffic. Noted this from the top batches, right down to the tail enders.

I urge you all please, patience and tolerance in these situations is called for, then some form of communication indicating your/their intention. Then execute with conviction; don’t delay or hesitate.

If you’re a late entry, experienced, either an A or B grade paddler, put in the last batch,  please, please, be aware of the novice, less
experienced  potential in front of you and understand their dilemma & situation; they’re very nervous.

With you banging their rudder, pushing them, then barging them off a line down a tricky section is not going to help their cause and maybe even yours; as was the case with, no names mentioned, a few of our more prominent paddlers during the Drak

Also of concern was the amount of people, when capsized and swimming that still insist on grabbing the cockpit/s, from an upstream position resulting in the cockpit being exposed to the full flow of the river, turning the boat side on, potentially putting the boat in wrap situation.

Try as best you can to get to the back of the boat, get it up right (all very quickly)and proceed downstream, with feet up, until you identify an area of safety; either an eddy, behind a rock, or bend, or an area of slower current, where you can take control of your craft/equip & get yourself to a safe zone.

Also try and get your paddle into your craft, so you’ve got both hands to assist your downstream journey. If you can’t get the paddle into the craft, then position the paddle over a shoulder, with the paddle dragging behind you and a blade on your shoulder. This way, the paddle won’t become a hindrance and obstacle. Try this in a controlled situation and see how easy it is.

Whilst marshalling, the responsibility of the marshal/s is to assist you first and ensure your safety, then if possible secure your paddle &/or
craft.

As a result of the above, when capsized and swimming it’s critical you try not stand up in fast flowing water, where 90% of the swims occur; i.e. in the rapid.! Assess, as best you can the situation, identify an area of safety (normally at the bottom of the rapid), be it a pool, eddy etc and apply yourself by adopting either the defensive &/or aggressive swimming techniques to get you there.

Don’t let the current push you around, but rather use the current to allow you to be guided to your safe zone. Your life jacket should be buoyant enough to be able to keep you afloat, plus be snug enough that it doesn’t want to come off, or restrict your movements.

To this end, I urge you all to check the condition/state of your current life jacket and ensure it’s not worn & torn. Ideally, these items should be replaced every 3-5yrs depending on the type and use. Remember, it’s your life you’re playing with, so don’t skimp on this. Make sure it’s certified, fits well and floats you. You MUST have confidence in your life jacket.

In closing, I heard this pearl of wisdom recently, which I thought I would share with you: “life is like a rapid; if you portage it, you’ve missed out”.

However, to this end, ensure you’re well prepared for the paddling year ahead, your goals/bucket list, do the necessary homework, trip, scout, stay fit/healthy & be aware, plus know your limits. Remember, safety first, safety always & no compromise.

Yours in paddling
Rob Hill
KNCU Safety Officer