One of our own team mates capsized, lost his kayak and got unconscious three kilometres offshore during our last trip. It\u2019s probably one of the worst nightmares that can happen to us. \u00a0Luckily it\u2019s just a training scenario, the \u201cworst case scenario\u201d in fact!\u00a0 In our group we train these things on a regular base.\u00a0 Not only because we paddle safer, but also to build up trust in each other, to learn from mistakes and to get better in what we do.\u00a0 It\u2019s also team building and thus great fun!\u00a0 The week before we did practically the same scenario but in rougher conditions, it works also.\u00a0 It\u2019s important to state that this is in no way a training video, we just want to show what is possible and how we respond to such an incident as a team.\u00a0 There is certainly no \u201cone solution for every problem\u201d, but this is a possible way to counter these events.\u00a0 Always make sure to take care of the (unconscious) paddler first.\u00a0 Retrieving his kayak comes later.\u00a0 If the paddler is conscious and you\u2019re sure that he is OK, you can go after the drifting kayak and bring it back to him.\u00a0 Most important is to communicate with each other in a loud and clear way.\u00a0 Work always as a team not as an individual, get everyone involved.\u00a0 Make sure to take First Aid classes every now and then, make sure to know how to use your equipment (radio, cell phone, Personal Locater Beacon,\u2026.) and dress for immersion.\u00a0 Always wear your PFD, no exceptions!<\/p>\n
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