How to Self-Rescue a Capsized Canoe
Capsizing in rapids can be a terrifying experience. Knowing what to do when it happens can save your canoe and equipment, as well as your life.
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Instructions
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Go to the upstream end of your canoe immediately upon capsizing and grab hold.
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Keep your feet high and away from the bottom of the river unless it's very shallow.
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Consider the situation you're in and decide whether your life or your companions' lives may be in danger. Is there a waterfall or major rapids ahead? Does everyone have life vests and can everyone swim?
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If your life or someone else's is in immediate danger, forget the canoe and do whatever you have to do to avoid a disaster. If you're not in immediate danger, stay with the canoe.
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Attempt to swim the boat to shore. Remember the concept of ferrying. This is vitally important here.
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Turn the back end of the canoe toward the shore you wish to swim to and kick in that direction. Keep your feet up to avoid rocks.
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Swim until you're in water shallower than your knees before trying to stand. Remember that the weight of the boat is going to pull you when you try to stand.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're thrown clear of the canoe, immediately get on your back and float downstream, feet first. Swim backstroke at a ferry angle toward the shore.
Always wear a life vest when canoeing.
Worry about saving yourself before you worry about saving your canoe. Stay with the canoe only if you know that the water ahead of you is safe.
Canoeing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.
