Paddle Signals for Sea Kayakers

by

An International Attempt To Find A Set Of Standard
Arm And Sound Signals For Sea Kayakers

by Urdo Beier

When you go on a sea kayakinq tour all members of a group should stay within voice communication of each other. But is this possible? You can not always talk at normal conversation volume due to wind and wave noise, compounded by distance. Therefore it is important before you start a tour along the shoreline or offshore to agree with the members of your group on the set of signals to be used. We think the set should be limited only to a basic standard set of signals which are fundamental for communication among members of a group. In 1996 and 1997, several sea kayakers from different sea kayaking clubs – spread all over Europe and the world – contacted one another and discussed this problem. We all agreed that sea kayaking is becoming more popular around the world. Added to this, more and more groups of sea kayakers consist of people from different countries. Therefore we think it is time to select a set of a few uniform signals, which one can handle and remember easily, and what is more, be able to use even in difficult conditions. You can see the result of our work in the survey below.

The signals in the survey are for: Attention!, Come!, Wait! and Distress – Mayday! Indeed one could find other signals for these. It is, however, important to have signals which can be used by any kayaker, advanced or beginner, and in any situation; e.g. force 1 to 7 winds, in a tidal race, or among breakers.

Of course, there might be other information which one may wish to signal, e.g. Raft Up!, Are you OK?, or I need an Eskimo rescue! But don’t forget that we want only to suggest a set of a few basic signals, which are important for group communication, and not a special “sign language” for sea kayakers for every eventuality. The Tsunami Rangers, a U.S. sea kayaking association of advanced sea kayakers, has developed 42 hand signals. All of these signals are interesting, but who is likely to be able to learn and memorize them?

Getting back to our proposed set, Signal No.4 (Distress) should only be used when a sea kayaker faces a life-threatening situation, which cannot be dealt with by other members of his group. This signal signifies Distress at Sea or Mayday. Using this signal means that you require immediate assistance from anyone who can give it, and that the Coast Guard (SAR) should be notified that assistance is sought. Up to the present time, there exists no specified Distress arm signal for sea kayakers. Having said this, however, the International Collision Regulations (IRPCS, Colregs, KVR) recommend the following: “Raise and lower slowly and repeatedly your arms outstretched to each side!” (See inset in No.4.). This is a well-known worldwide signal, which every sea kayaker should keep in mind, in the event he needs help in a life-threatening situation. The question is, what should he do when sea conditions are such that he does not dare to lay down his paddle in order to wave with his outstretched arms? We think Signal No.4 is an equivalent Distress Signal, which is very similar to the outstretched arms. Contact your local Coast Guard and other bodies and inform them about this new arm signal, which is suitable only for the sea kayakers!

These signals were submitted to Qayaq by GLSKA member J. Michael Watts, one of the participants in the international group that developed them.

SEA KAYAKERS’ PADDLE SIGNALS

Before you start a tour, agree with the members of your group on the signals to be used. Note that Signals 1-3 are intended only for communication between group members, and must not be used if other people could misunderstand them as distress signals. Signal 4 is a genuine distress signal. Group members should be aware that inexperienced sea kayakers are not always able to look around for signals, or to lift the paddle from the water to make signals when wind and sea conditions are rough. Paddlers may have their own problems, and may therefore not react immediately to signals.

(Sound signals: short blast = about 1 second; long blast = about 5 seconds.)

  1. Sound Signal  (E.g. horn, whistle or cry, exceptionally: white flare)
    Pay Attention!
    (One short blast)
    Look at once to the person making the signal, and wait for visual signals.
  2. One Arm Upraised
    Gather around me!
    (Two short blasts)
    (This signal should be reserved for the group leader. Everyone is to paddle to the leader including those ahead.) or
    Follow me, this is the way! (When made by another group member – e.g. a scout, away from the group – other group members should follow, because he has found safe passage or place to land, camp, rest etc.)
    or
    Help me, I need assistance!
    (A swimming paddler makes this “Come/Help” Signal by holding the paddle vertically and waving it from side to side repeatedly.)
  3. Paddle Held Horizontally Over the Head
    Wait for me!
    (One long blast)
    (When made by any group member, e.g. a slower paddler.) or Wait, stop paddling! (When made by a paddler at the front wanting to stop the group, e.g. in case of some difficulty, or to prevent disturbance of wildlife.)
    or
    Danger, keep clear of me!
    (If the group leader or scout subsequently points to left or right with the paddle or arm, you should paddle in that direction and await further signals.)
  4. Paddle Held Horizontally and Moved Up and Down Between Head and Deck Repeatedly
    Mayday!
    (One continuous blast)
    Help me or inform rescue services! (This signal has the same meaning as red flares or red rockets. It is an addition to the international recognised distress arm signal: slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side. (See inset.) Give this signal only if you face a life-threatening situation and no one within your group can help you, and you are not able to make one of the other distress signals.) Only for communication with non-group members

GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.