How To Perform A T-Rescue In A Kayak

If you are going kayaking with other people, learn about how to perform a T-rescue in a kayak. A T-rescue is an assisted rescue technique which is performed by using another kayaker and their kayak. A T-rescue only functions if the victim kayaker is conscious and able to hold onto their kayak. The water needs to be clam enough for the rescuer to be able to safely paddle to the victim kayaker. Follow these steps to perform a T-rescue.

In order to learn about how to perform a T-rescue, you will need:

• At least one other person
• At least two kayaks
• Two paddles
• Access to a still body of water
• twenty minutes

1. Form a "T" shape with your boat. The rescuer should paddle quickly to the overturned boat. As the rescuer, make sure that your kayak is perpendicular to the victim's bow, so that you form a "T" shape (hence the name T-rescue). Grab ahold of the victims bow and tell them to hold on too.
   
2. Pull the victim's kayak onto your kayak. When performing a T-rescue, you need to drain the water out of the victim's kayak. Pull the front hatch of the victim's kayak onto your boat. Again, make sure that the victim is still holding onto their kayak.
3. Flip the victim's kayak right side up. The goal of performing a T-rescue is to assist the victim in getting back in their kayak. Once the water has drained from the victim's kayak, flip it over and pull it toward your kayak so that the two kayaks are now parallel to one another. Make sure the kayaks are also opposite. Position both paddles across the width of the kayaks and lie on top of them to stabilize the kayaks.
4. Assist the victim into their kayak. The last step in performing a T-rescue is to get the victim safety back into their kayak. Holding on to the cockpit, tell the victim to kick their legs and pull their arms to force themselves up onto the stern of the kayak. Remember to continue holding the cockpit at all times until you are sure that the victim is in control of their kayak.