Hand Signals
From Wikipaddle
- For other uses, see Referee hand signals in canoe polo
It is sometimes difficult to relay messages though a group which is split apart in varying positions down river. This is why a set of common hand signals are used to give basic instructions to other members of the group.
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Good Practices
- You should ALWAYS check with the group what signals mean what. There are many variants used and nothing can be worse than receiving the wrong instruction and getting into difficulty because of it.
- Use a quick shout to get a paddlers attention (their name is a good place to start) and then give them a visual signal.
- Repeat a received signal on to other members of the group (unless it was specifically for you alone).
- Return the signal to the sender to confirm it was understood.
Line of Sight
This is essential. Direct Line of Sight from the leader to every paddler in the group is not necessary, however every paddler should be able to receive a message from the paddler in front and pass it on to paddlers behind. In this way the leader can quickly pass instructions to the whole group.
Basic Signals
STOP
Arm up, Palm open and flat.
This is sometimes also represented by holding the paddle with both arms over the head, or holding one blade up in the air. This is an instruction to either hold current positions in an eddy, or to get into one as quickly as possible and await further instructions.
Go Left/Right
Palm flat, arm outstretched in the direction required.
Sometimes paddle blades reached out to the side are also used. Use this to signify that the paddler needs to come further right or left, or that the best route is to one side. Always point AWAY from the danger.
One Person Come Down
Arm raised, one finder (index is best) extended.
Instructs one member of the group above to come down the river. Usually used in rapids to send paddlers through one at a time.
Everyone Come Down
Fist clenched, arm pumped up and down.
The whole group should move on down the river one after the other.
More Useful Signals
Come to Me
Tap on the top of the head.
Typically combined with a "One Person" or "Everyone" signal to instruct the next paddler to come to the same position / eddy you are in.
Go There
Arm outstretched, finger pointing.
Again combined with an identifier for who the instruction is for. This can be used to position paddlers in eddys to provide safety cover for others, or to get them into a safe position to receive further instruction.
Eddy
Arm up, one finger extended, rotating above the head.
Should be followed by a Go There signal to indicate which eddy.
Rescue Three International Signals
The Rescue 3 international rescue courses have become the de facto standard for water rescue training internationally. Below are the hand-signals they teach for communication in rescue situations with both victim and other rescuer.
Need Help
Both arms crossed in front of the chest. Used to request first aid help, or for a medic kit to be sent.
Okay
Both arms above head, hands together forming an "O" above the head. Used as a confirmation/agreement or to indicate "I am OK."
Need Assistance
One arm raised above the head. Signified distress and requests rescue / first aid.
Move
Both arms raised vertically above the head, then pointing with both arms left or right to signify direction. Used to instruct people to move to a specific location, either to get them to safety or to help in a rescue.
Eddy
Both arms raised vertically and moved in a circle above the head, followed by a directional point. Similar to the commonly accepted paddlers sign for an eddy, this is used to instruct a person to move into an eddy.
