Signals
A clear set of visual signals can avoid confusion and save time. These signals are the basic, accepted river running signals. Paddlers should always acknowledge signals.
Some simple rules:
If someone is in a safe position waiting for a signal - NO SIGNAL, NO MOVE
Always point away from the danger, and in the direction of safety
STOP
Palm held upright, motionless
Depending on the situation, it can mean:
• Get to the nearest safe eddy
• Hold your position
ONE PERSON TO COME DOWN
One finger held upright followed by a beckoning motion
One person only to leave the eddy and paddle the rapid. The next person should not set off until signalled to do so.
GO MORE LEFT OR MORE RIGHT
Hand or paddle extended motionless in intended direction
Move in the direction the paddle or arm is extended. Used to help other paddlers to stay on line; if necessary a sense of urgency can be imparted by using a short jabbing motion.
EVERYBODY COME ON DOWN
Fist raised with elbow at right angle
Everybody follow the lead paddler, leaving a suitable distance between each paddler or, if the lead paddler has gone ahead to inspect the rapid, everyone paddle the rapid leaving a suitable distance between each paddler
PUT YOUR BOAT OVER THERE
Finger raised to indicate one paddler then pointed at the intended location
This is usually used when the signaler doesn’t want the other boater to break out in the same eddy that they are in. It can also be used to position the strongest paddler in such a way that they are in the best place to affect a rescue prior to less able paddlers shooting the rapid.
COME TO ME
Hand placed on top of head as if patting oneself on head
Send whoever has been designated down to join the lead paddler.(This is usually one of those better paddlers able to chase boat, often the back marker. Alternatively, if no one has been designated it just means the next paddler down should “come to me”
USE OF A WHISTLE
Attracting attention
In the noisy white water environment it can be difficult to hear the whistle and to distinguish signals, this reinforces the need for simple, clear agreed signals. Two signals are recommended:
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A single whistle blast means look this way
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Continuous whistling means that someone is in serious trouble