Wind, Waves, Rescues

Six of my more diligent 2012 students thought it would be a good idea to sign up for my Rescues Rescues Rescues class. They knew it was going to be in mildly lumpy water off Alki Point in West Seattle, what we got was 20-30 knot winds and 2-4 ft immature wind waves. All students had had plenty of time at Deception Pass and time in the surf zone. They have even paddled in this stuff on occasions, but none had voluntarily engaged in a rescue class in these conditions to this point.

We of course started with the risk assessment. The wind blowing off-shore (red flags all around), but refracting around the point to the east gave us a reasonably safe classroom. All were dressed appropriately in Kokatat Drysuits. Then we added in the abilities and strength of the students and instructors to get everyone back to lee shore out of the wind which was a short distance to safety even if a multiple tow was needed. The wind, at its worst, left us in Eliot Bay(Seattle Harbor) with many outs.

A discussion on towing and dry land engagements were next. Connections, one boat, two boats, rafted tows, contact tows, quick release knots and so on. Then on to impromptu rescues on dry land. By launch time the wind had dropped a bit to about 23 knots with higher gusts.

The day proceeded, in flat water and then in conditions, with basic review of partner rescues, and then impromptu rescues (problem solving) where the swimmer is extracted from the water and is MUST be reengaged with their boat without re-immersing them. All of the students found unique ways to solve this problem. Towing was engaged on a course that took student teams into, abeam, and downwind while towing their partner over a 300 yard course with a capsize, release the tow, and roll up at the end.

The end of the 4 hour class found all students physically tired, but now came a very important module.....self rescues while tired. Each 2 person team had one member capsize and self rescue by performing a combat roll and again wet exiting and recovering via a choice of reenter and roll, back deck scramble, or paddlefloat assist while their team mate monitored and provided support if needed. The best part of the day...coming back with all the students we left the beach with ;)

We ended the day with a debrief over beers and hot food.