This tip considers how you can help someone to empty their boat in deep water.

Firstly the capsized kayaker should keep hold of their kayak and paddle and then flip the kayak the right way up at the cockpit. This will make it easier to hold on to using decklines as well as making it easier for a rescuer to manoeuver a swamped boat.

When the rescuer comes in to assist, it’s a good idea for the swimmer to move to the front of the rescuers boat and hold on to their bow (keeping hold of decklines the whole time). Being at the front of the rescuer’s boat allows for easy communication – the rescuer can also make sure the swimmer is OK.

The swimmer can also pass their paddle to the rescuer to store under deck elastics.

The rescuer then pulls the bow of the swamped boat over the front of their cockpit. The diagram below shows a T rescue but you don’t often have to pull the boat out of the water as much as this to empty it, so reducing strain on your body. The rescuer turns the boat upside down by pushing the bow away from them. Once empty, they can align the boat alongside (ideally bow to stern) ready for the next part of the rescue.