PADDLER 52
PADDLER 52
LET US DIVE INTO THE ACTION !
After driving the entire day , we finally arrived at Cruckin campsite , where the CK / Mer team received us . After a warm welcome and greeting of familiar faces , we were assigned to a spot with a view over the bay . There were kayaks everywhere around , as friendly paddlers . Very soon , we had a briefing with the other instructors . Since everyone comes from a different area and has a different approach , we could register for what we wanted to give during the coming workshops . Since you know that we spend more time in the water than in our boats , you can guess what we signed up for – haha !
DAY 1 : WORKSHOP ON INCIDENT MANAGEMENT !
On the first day , we got to work with Simone Arras , Salzwasser Union from Germany , for a workshop on incident management . We were assigned a crew of 13 and launched from Launay Beach near L ’ Arcouest Point – our playing ground : the canal between the mainland and Bréhat island , with many rock formations . Conditions were sunny , with a Force 4 wind and spring tide . First , we had a safety briefing where we also asked about the team ’ s specific wishes : after this , we set off to Bréhat Island .
We already knew we wouldn ’ t make it there ; only the team didn ’ t know it . Only 10 minutes away , half of the group capsized , and the pace was set . Everybody performed quick recoveries of their teammates , and we landed on the nearest rock formation . During lunch , we took a few paddlers apart for a separate briefing . After that , we set off . When the group rounded the small island , they were immediately immersed in an incident .
Two of the group capsized , and one panicked but stayed in her boat . One of the two swimmers had a major leak in his drysuit and got hypothermic fast . He was given instruction not to cooperate in any way but to stay conscious . The other swimmer let go of his kayak , which drifted away fast , and he also started to panic . He was instructed to pull in his rescuer if they did not first calm him down from a safe distance . The remaining team was tasked with rescuing them , containing the situation , and finding shelter on the nearest beach . No other information was given .
The team split up and rushed to the rescue , with only a limited time as the swimmers were pushed toward a rugged beach . Time was of the essence . The panicked swimmer was calmed down first , immediately followed by a swift assisted rescue . The hypothermic swimmer