How to Unswamp a Canoe

Swamped canoes and boats are extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver. Swamping occurs when the canoe is tipped or hits a large wave and fills with water. Unswamping the craft is not a complex process but does require physical labor and strategy. Unswamping is possible by a single person but if more hands are on board the task is less problematic. Some boats are swamped but remain floating after capsizing and others are buried in thick layers of mud and water after sitting for an extended period of time. The level of water and debris inside the canoe determines the difficulty of unswamping.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Life jacket
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Instructions

  1. Capsized Boats

    • 1

      Flip the canoe completely upside down as soon as it capsizes. The partially submerged boat will take on more water than a boat sitting on the gunwales.

    • 2

      Hold the canoe on one side and near the middle, if you are handling it as a lone canoeist. If accompanied by someone else, then the canoe can be held on each end. Quickly lift the closest side upwards and push it over while pulling on the opposite side. The boat will scoop a small amount of water but the fast motion limits entry.

    • 3

      Hold one gunwale on the boat and push down to tilt the canoe and expose the interior. Reach with one hand and grab the opposite gunwale. Quickly roll over the closest gunwale while applying pressure to the opposite gunwale. Center your weight to gain control of the unswamped boat.

    Swamped in Mud

    • 4

      Bail as much water out of the canoe as possible if upright. Use rocks and logs to block more water from entering, if your canoe is swamped in shallow water.

    • 5

      Use a shovel, board or your hands to dig mud away from the side of the canoe. Scoop the mud until you hear air pockets releasing tension.

    • 6

      Drive the board or shovel beneath the canoe in the area where you have been digging. Push the shovel towards the canoe to raise one side and break the wall of suction under the boat. Use as many people as are available to tilt the canoe.

    • 7

      Tilt the canoe upside down after breaking the suction. Flip the canoe into the normal position after the water has drained. Return to shore.