Published by the Open Canoe Sailing Group

So what do we do about it? Firstly we have to look at the realities:

a) People DO go off on their own.
b) If there IS an incident, rescue from another canoe is difficult, but not impossible.

Because of (a) people MUST look after their own safety. The OCSG can offer advice and training, but it cannot force them to take notice, nor can it relieve them of their primary responsibility. The only alternative would be to prevent people from going off on their own - something that would be difficult to enforce and an attitude I personally would find distasteful. However, for those that go off on their own, a signing-out/signing-back-in system is helpful. OCSG used to have one. What happened to it?

If people go off as a group, the moral duty of care requires them to operate as a group unless they agree otherwise. Each should know who is in the group. There is no need to stay within a few yards of each other, but they should at least stick within sight. Each should keep an eye on the others and be prepared to offer assistance. That does not prevent people from beaching, as long as they are prepared to launch again if needs be (and conditions permit). This applies no less when racing as when cruising to some cafe or other. Again OCSG cannot enforce this, but it can be facilitated.

Carry on cruising? Beware the buttercups!

So do we need a rescue boat?

There is no point in having a rescue boat unless it is going to be effective. On places like Ullswater then the boat must be capable of carrying an appropriate crew, plus casualties, and of getting the latter to onshore help quickly and safely. That means:

a) it must be of some size [a 16ft RIB is probably the minimum in my experience (RNLI ILB, cox etc) - cost several thousands of pounds, even second-hand];
b) it must be fast - at least 20 knots I suggest (40hp outboard minimum - cost several thousands of pounds more);
c) it must be insured and licensed - even on waters where fast powerboats are not normally permitted;
d) the crew must be trained and appropriately qualified else we won't get the insurance (RYA Level 2 + rescue endorsement + first aid - cost more thousands);
e) the boat must be suitably equipped (VHF, cell phone etc - cost merely a few hundreds);

That is going to make a small hole in OCSG funds. Of course only those who are qualified can take change of the rescue boat - keen racers who are not qualified need not worry. Whether or not the cost is acceptable remains to be seen.

The Bottom Line:
We cannot force people to be sensible. The only sanction we have is to expel them, so they can be irresponsible on their own! We can encourage them, we can offer advice as to what is sensible behaviour, but unless we are going to spend a lot of money and effort providing full rescue cover, the position remains:

EVERY INDIVIDUAL MUST BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS OR HER OWN SAFETY.

Safety (RoyB)

The Editor adds: I have unforgivably just lost a piece from JohnB. Amongst other things he questions the efficacy of a rescue boat. He knows from experience on Ullswater that such a craft can't be everywhere at once. He also suggests that monohull sailors install extra buoyancy in the form of side tanks or sponsons. My apologies to John.

In a phone call from DaveSe he, too, said that we ought to consider more seriously side tanks and work out what capacity they should have to make self-rescue easier (or indeed possible) for the less athletic.

I agree with JohnS that, unless we decide we don't need to change our procedures or policy, we won't have time at the AGM and forum to find solutions to all the questions posed. Perhaps a working party can be set up which, after consultations, makes proposals at the first meet, Bala. But the sooner we get it sorted, the better.

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