NIAGARA RIVER COAST GUARD RESCUE

I was recently rescued by the Coast Guard on the upper Niagara River. Briefly, the scenario is as follows:

I was the tour organizer. We were a group of 7. The day was chilly with offshore winds approximately 15-20 km/hr when we set off. An offer of a local creek paddle to avoid the winds was rejected for the adherence of our original plan...Strawberry Island, Motor Island and Grand Island, in that order. After completing Grand Island we loosely rafted up to discuss our strategy for crossing the washing machine of a river to get back into Canada. Our stategy? "Let's stay close together." That lasted about 30 seconds after which we basically fell apart into distantly spread pairs. About 10% of the way across I found I was incapable of making forward progress while my partner toiled on. My attempt to hail him failed...wind in the ears can do that. I noticed that the wind was quickly carrying me past Strawberry Island and south towards the international rail crossing so I decided to abandon my team and provide for my own personal safety. I turned my kayak around and headed for the safest spot to land on Strawberry. Once secure I called 911 and established contact with the Coast Guard. I remained on a high rock platform where I could keep an eye on the rest the kayakers. If there were other's needing help I would have directed to the Coast Guard accordingly. Once my guys were safely back to Canada I hunkered down behind the rocks out of the cold wind and waited for further instruction from the Coast Guard. The rescue that ensued was bizarre and I will save the details for out future kayak outings.

I want to use my scenario as a discussion and learning tool. As it turns out, inspite of our best (or worst) laid plans, shit does happen. Let the discussion and learning begin.

Coast Guard Rescue!

Hi Carla,
Wow, quite the adventure you had! I'm so happy you came through it unscathed and able to share it with us.
Can you share a few more details before I comment?

You said the safer plan of paddling the river was vetoed by all. Was there a discussion of safety concerns about sticking to the original plan of paddling on the open water in terms of sea state?
Did anyone suggest a quick check-in with the group regarding how everyone was feeling that day in terms of sleep the night before, aches and pains, nervousness on a scale of 1-10?

Was there any communication plan discussed or paddle signals agreed on? It was such a windy day and it must have been
impossible to hear on the water!

Was there a decision on who was lead and who was sweep paddler?

Did the group determine what safety gear was available? Was there any VHF radios? Who had a tow rope or tow system? Did everyone have a change of clothes or were there any blankets?

It would be interesting to hear from the other paddlers who were along that day as it’s always interesting to hear others opinions of the events of the day! Is there any chance you could let them know you've posted here and ask them to get involved? It would be great to get some back and forth postings from everyone who paddled that day

We really appreciate you taking the time to post this Carla. We will use this as a teachable moment and together we will come up with some suggested protocol for the social paddles to ensure everyone has a fun and safe experience.

Happy Paddling!
Dympna
p.s. while I would hope it never ever happens to anyone, it is kinda cool to experience a Coast Guard rescue! Not many paddlers can say that! ;0)

Answers to Dympna's Questions

Safety issues were not discussed regarding the details of the original paddle which was to explore the islands via the water. Our capacity to stay warm appeared to be a priority given the obvious windchill while preparing for our launch.

I did not have our team discuss issues like sufficient sleep the night before, aches or pains, fitness, nervousness, caloric preparation or hydration.

I did not have our team discuss signals in the event auditory signals failed.

I did not designate a sweep or a lead.

We did not discuss safety gear such as VHF radios, cell phones, tow ropes, blankets, a change of clothes or exchange cell phone numbers.

What we DID do was create a recipe for the very mishap that ensued.

Lessons

Great post Carla,

Regarding the VHF Radio's, we had two in the group.....both safely tucked away in the car! How stupid does that sound now. Second lesson I learnt was to adapt to the changing conditions, the wind picked up significantly on the way back before our final crossing. Carla did the right thing and turned back, the remaining 6 of us got seperated and continued for the far bank, on reflection we should have all turned back when we had the chance. It was a scary 45 minutes, made worse when we realized that Carla was still out there. We did eventually manage to get a call in to the Coast Guard using a cell phone (*16) once we regrouped and they confirmed that they had found her.

Craig

Thoughts

I think that it is very important to take any possible mistakes or errors in judgement and turn them around into learning moments the way that Carla and Craig have started to here.

Another option that you could have gone with was, before leaving the american side to get into an inline-tow. This would have combined the effort of the stronger and weaker paddlers together and made the crossing a group effort. Keeping everyone together and within a communicable distance. It seems like it would have been impossible for one person to have assisted another in conditions like you had.

VHF radios...in the car!? Oh dear. I like to use my radio all the time. If you go to an unused channel the coast guard don't mind if you chat to each other. Take the ROC VHF radio course. It lasts for ever and you will learn a few things. People who have radios, bring them and never use them will probably find the battery dead when they finally do reach for them! Chit chat during a social paddle let me know that one of our LTK radios wasn't transmitting. This gave me the chance to get it replaced.

Keep on pushing your skills but remember to take every precaution and play safe.

It ain't easy....

A lifetime of "single blade" paddling has taught me a great lesson. It ain't easy working/ playing with peers.
As a canoe instructor and tripper I always found it easy to organize the float plan and get everyone on board. Some may need reminding about details at times, but as "The Guy," most people would be willing to play the game (so to speak).
My biggest challenges, BY FAR, have been when paddling with peers and friends. We feel awkward about being so "Official" or maybe "Officious." Egos are involved when you are dealing with friends and taking a leadership role to organize an outing. I have had more "consequences" (read "dumps") to deal with when suggesting to friends that they may not want to run some rapid that they have done many times.... but today it is in flood.
I fall prey to this syndrome and most sensitive leaders do. The best thing to do is say..." Hey, we should do this and be safe, just in case, O.K? That report about the kayak debacle in the Netherlands is very instructive as well.
If that doesn't work, just say, "Remember Carla!" ;) Joke
Thanks for sharing, Carla!

Re: NIAGARA RIVER COAST GUARD RESCUE

I was the second to last person to arrive and was quite surprised to see the turnout of seven. I missed the discussion of the alternate plan, and was slightly concerned about the wind, but looking out onto the river the current was apparent but the wind directly off-shore was not causing as much wave action as I expected, it was quite flat!
I had the required safety equipment, extra rope, a complete change of clothes (onboard and a second in the car) my cell, camera, water, and several granola bars. I was wearing a shortie wetsuit and gloves under a water resistant jacket and pants.
The downwind crossing to Strawberry was smooth and swift, the wind became apparent when we turned north to cross to Motor Island and the group started coming apart but maintained course to Motor island and then over to Grand Is.
The wind had increased in strength and seemed to shift to more from the north, now blowing up the river towards the rail bridge and lake Erie. We paused, before heading out to discuss a destination, or point to head towards, and exchange words of wisdom to try and stay together.
The different handling characteristics of the different kayaks showed in the wind, several with rudders or skegs managed to head up-wind, or about 10 o'clock to the wind and ferry across using the current and forward motion to work back to Canada.
I had a slightly shorter yak, no skeg or rudder and headed as straight as possible towards shore, at about 9:00 to the wind.
I was 5th boat from the right I think, there were two on my left, Carla and I don't know who else, you could not hear anything but the wind and the waves.
It was rough, to say the least, I would guess 1 to 1.5 meter waves, with whitecaps. I was alone and concentrating on staying upright, If I flipped I had a 50 /50 chance of rolling back up, or scrambling back in, which I know I can do, but in these conditions?
I glanced over to see where Carla was but lost track of her soon after leaving Grand Is. A lead and sweep paddler arrangement could not contain the group, we were way to far apart.
I was never cold, I was perspiring from the work-out sometimes the paddle stroke was like digging into the mud! The shore was slowly approaching and everyone I could see was upright and OK.
Craig was on the phone when I got out of the wind and asked if I had seen her, I had not been able to keep track of her, she was behind me on the left.
In hindsight, I have experienced the roughest water conditions I want to, except to play in when it is warm and sunny.
My limits of 25 kmph winds depending on the body of water.
And that WE are all responsible for our own actions and decisions and the events that they cause.
Would I go back out for someone who had flipped, Yes.

Ted B

Tragedy

Tragedy when lack of planning and high winds come in to play in Florida

http://www.theledger.com/article/20110123/NEWS/101235037/1001/BUSINESS?p=3&tc=pg