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.

Things You'll Need

  • Canoe Gear Bags
  • Canoe Kneeling Pads
  • Canoe Paddles
  • Canoes
  • Life Vests
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go to the upstream end of your canoe immediately upon capsizing and grab hold.

    • 2

      Keep your feet high and away from the bottom of the river unless it's very shallow.

    • 3

      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?

    • 4

      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.

    • 5

      Attempt to swim the boat to shore. Remember the concept of ferrying. This is vitally important here.

    • 6

      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.

    • 7

      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.