What do I do if the boat capsizes or someone is in trouble?

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Accepted Answer

Stay with the boat: in an accident, crews are instructed to stay with the boat rather than swim for safety, however strong a swimmer. Unless seriously damaged, the boat is a life raft. In cold water, get as much of your body out of the water as possible by draping over the upturned hull, and buddy up in twos until rescued. Distress signal: wave the red flags carried in the boat vigorously above head height. With no flags, use the international distress signal: arms out horizontal, raised to vertical above the head, back to horizontal, repeated until rescue boats respond. A signal without just cause may get the crew disqualified from the whole competition. Head count: the Safety Officer must personally ensure a head count of crew from a capsized boat on return to land before rescue craft are stood down. Event cover: at least two safety or official motorboats with four people ready to act must be on the water at all times, and organizers must be able to pick up 22 people after a capsize. Minimum venue equipment is a first aid kit, throw ropes, life rings or buoy and line, PFDs and thermal blankets or exposure bags. Collisions: if boats collide or are touching, all paddlers in the affected boats must stop paddling immediately and not resume until there are at least 2 metres of clear water around each boat. Source: Rules of Racing, January 2026 Edition, rules 3.9, 4.2 to 4.4, 10.3.