Whether you’re in a canoe, kayak, or inflatable, getting to shore with gear is not easy, even in a mild current. Nearly every paddler welcomes an assist when they swim. However, the best way to help isn’t always clear. Understanding your options will help you make the correct choice. Swimmers and rescuers are faced with a lot of decisions. These get easier with experience and practice. If everyone is well practiced an efficient rescue can be amazingly quick.

Check our library for more info

The first paddler on the scene should approach the swimmer. In the midst of a rapid, the best way to assist is with encouragement or directions for an aggressive self-rescue: "Swim this way, keep those feet up. You got it!"

If the swimmer needs an assist with a longer swim, you'll likely approach the swimmer stern-first. Once he has hold, head for shore. Wait until the swimmer has a good grasp as many newer boats have loops that are difficult to hold. The swimmer helps out by kicking. If the swimmer doesn't kick, you won't make much progress, so he will often need a gentle reminder.

If you have a long way to go and enough size in the stern, get the swimmer up on the back deck. Back deck towing works best with a long boat and cooperative swimmer. Other times you'll find it works best to get the swimmer on the bow. Most small boats handle better this way, plus you can offer face-to-face reassurance and directions. Many instructors find this works well with panicked swimmers in deep water.

Don’t crowd around the swimmer. As you get into position, look for the job that isn't being done, then do it. One person gets the swimmer, and the other gets the gear. If a rescue takes longer than expected and the swimmer starts to drift into a rapid, everyone will be safer if you back off. Follow the swimmer and gear through the drop then try again. Don't chase gear through a difficult or dangerous drop.

Bulldoze or Shove
You can bulldoze a kayak into shore with your bow. Align the boat so the upstream end is pointed slightly towards shore, and push it in, being careful to maintain the angle. Don't get in the way by getting between the shore and the boat. Sometimes, a big shove can get the boat to shore most efficiently. You'll usually leave the boat upside down for a shove, bulldoze, or tow. Only flip it upright if you are sure you can do so without flooding the boat.

Lasso the Paddle
Once the swimmer has been taken care of, make sure someone has the paddle. If you have big hands, you can use it together with your own paddle. More likely you will toss it into an eddy or onto shore. Even if it only gets part way to shore, it will slow down and be easier to find.

Throw Ropes shop now

If You Swim...What Next?
A strong swimmer can often pull off the most efficient rescue of all - an aggressive self rescue. This is often much faster than waiting for a tow to shore. When you bail out, you have to make a quick decision: do you hold on to your boat and gear? In more difficult rapids, or when known hazards are present, you'll want to let go of everything and concentrate on avoiding dangerous spots and getting yourself to shore. Look for a way to help yourself - don't wait on a rescue!

If you choose to hold onto your boat, don't get caught between the boat and a rock. Move quickly to the upstream end. Usually you will angle yourself and the boat towards shore and swim for an eddy using a sidestroke. Sometimes you can get your boat to shore with a big shove: flip the boat quickly without allowing water into the boat. Then push it to shore, and swim for it. If you're in big water, hold on to your paddle near the blade. If you are near shore or in a small river, toss it into an eddy.

- Author Kent Ford is also the producer of Whitewater Self Defense, an instructional safety video.