Capsize and Self Rescue Practice

Our intrepid President Brian Cooper demonstrates self rescue techniques during some practice capsizes. 

A self rescue after capsizing has two fundamental parts:

• be able to right the boat and re-enter
• have sufficient floatation to provide enough freeboard to bail out the boat

The first rescue is done with no water in the boat and demonstrates a situation where you may inadvertently lose your balance and fall into the water. Brian keeps his center of gravity low and is able to slide back into his boat. In this case, only a little water came into the boat during the self rescue and the boat is easily bailed out.

The second rescue demonstrates a situation where your boat completely overturns as could happen in rough water. A lot of water comes into the boat during the capsize, but Brian's boat has sufficient buoyancy (pink foam under the seats) that the boat rights itself. As Brian slides back into the boat, more water comes into the boat. Water is now up to the top of the seats, but there is still enough free board so the boat can be bailed. After some bailing enough water is removed to get underway. The boat still rows well and fast with water in the boat.

​Brian did these capsize drills during the warmer months, but notice that he is wearing a dry suit and life vest. It's important to wear the proper clothing for the water conditions that you may experience. Many boating accidents in small craft happen in the early spring when the first warm days draw boaters to the water, but water temperatures are still very cold. 

Have you practiced self rescue techniques for your boat?