With the Tyne Tour coming up very shortly I thought it might be a good idea to release the next article in the student guide series. Although a student guide it is applicable to anyone who may be starting to make the move onto moving water.

From time to time this will happen and is far more common than even the great boaters like to admit. Capsizing and swimming is what helps us all get better, it’s part of the learning curve no matter what level of the sport you are currently at.

Student Guide - Swimming In Moving Water

There are two main goals if you find yourself in the water. The first is to stay safe whilst in the water and second is to get out of the water.

Hopefully you have had some practice at doing capsize drills in a controlled environment in the past, if not it is a great idea that you get some practice in.

Assuming that you have capsized and then bailed from the boat you need to be thinking ahead and staying calm. When you first pop back up to the surface have a quick scan around whilst you get yourself into a defence swimming position. The ideal setup for the defensive swimming position is to float on your back and to have your legs pointing down stream. This will allow you to use your legs to defend yourself against obstacles in the water. You may get lucky and pop up next to someone who can help you out. If you do, follow their directions and do not try to climb up on their boat.

If you find yourself floating by yourself try and stay calm. Keep your mouth shut so you don’t take on any water. If you can keep hold of your kit then great, but if this means getting yourself into a more dangerous situation then let go of your boat/paddle. As you swim defensively use your arms and feet as necessary to avoid hazards.

Student Guide - Swimming In Moving Water

When you are in the water it may be possible that you will hear someone shout ROPE. This means that a throwbag full of rope is heading your way. If the person throwing is on target and setup correctly you should find (once you have hold of the rope) that you will swing to the side of the river. Try and stay in the defensive swimming position whilst you have hold of the rope as this is still the safest setup whilst you are in the water. Don’t try and wrap the rope around you or tie yourself to it.

Assuming none of the above is likely then it’s time to self rescue. Look out for an eddy (area of slack water) at the side of the river. Keeping the defensive swimming position use your arms and legs to safely move yourself closer to the side.

As you come close to the eddy line (a distinct line between the moving river and slack water) move into a normal front crawl position and swim like hell. Keep swimming until you are in the calmer water before attempting to stand up.