User:DevAnubis/riverbox
From Wikipaddle
Entrapment and Snagging Hazards are either caused by a piece of equipment getting "snagged" in a tree, between rocks or onto a paddler, or by the paddler getting entrapped in a similar way.
Avoidance is most definable better than cure. Removal of loops, knots and other hazards are better done at home where you're in control rather than in the river where it may be too late.
Contents |
Avoiding Entrapments
Loose loops should on the be avoided. Some common causes of entrapment and snagging are:
- Loose Buoyancy aid straps: These should be tight and not leave loops at the shoulders or sides that could potentially get snagged be branches or rocks.
- Loops in Equipment: At one time buoyancy aid manufacturers went overboard with the amount of equipment they included on their buoyancy aids, and these began to present further entrapment hazards. More modern designs now often favour enclosed pockets over loose loops
- Knots in Throw Lines: This can present dangers for both swimmers and rescuers using a throw line as the knot or tangle may be caught between rock s and pull the swimmer down under the water. A Clean Line should be maintained with all throw bags.
- Spraydeck Handle Clips: Many spraydeks come with small plastic clips on their release loops for hanging them up by. These loops are a hazardous design feature and can be caught in gaps the tape handles would otherwise pass through. They should either be removed, or cut through at the base to allow them to break free if needed. See Spraydeck#Hanging Clips for more details.
- Nose clip ties: Many nose clips come with tie-strings for attaching them to a paddler's helmet. These should not be used on it's own as they are strong enough to hold a swimmer without breaking, and can cause broken necks if caught. (See Helmet page for advice on nose clip attachment.)
The dangers of entrapment can present in many forms, depending on what is caught, where it is caught, how fast the water is moving, and many other variables.
Above the Surface Snags
Snags or entrapments that occur above the surface will cause a pivot action to occur. This will likely result in the following consequences:
Capsize
For a paddler in a boat (especially Kayaks, although Open Boaters are affected as well) a snag or entrapment on the body will cause a pivot action around that point, and the flow of the water will cause the boat to be washed away from underneath them. This forces the upstream edge of the boat into the water, causing an immediate capsize. If the paddler was snagged on a branch, the force of their boat dragging in the water may be enough to release them from the entrapment. However a capsize is only a preliminary effect as more often that not the paddler remains entrapped and will now be in or under the water.
- Note: This is also the reason why paddlers should not hold onto overhanging branches to stop themselves mid-flow, as the principle is the same.
Held
Although an entrapment above the surface will probably pull a swimmer to the surface, there is still a definite danger of drowning if the paddler is flipped onto their front or if they are unable to keep their head on the surface. Strainers are likely to force paddlers under the water and hold them there, thus turning into an underwater entrapment.
For a swimmer being held by an entrapment or snagged piece of equipment above the surface of the water, there are two basic options:
- Cut the chord: Use a Rescue Knife to cut themselves free from the piece of equipment holding them in. This is possible for a entangled Throw Line or rope, but it is inadvisable that paddlers remove items of equipment such as buoyancy aids unless absolutely necessary.
- Await rescue: This is for then there is nothing to cut (ie. when the paddler themselves is entrapped) or when they are unable to cut heir way free for some reason.
- See the #Rescues section below.
Under Water Entrapment
This covers foot entrapments on the river bed, rope entrapments in rocks under the water, and any other scenario where a piece of equipment or the paddler is entrapped under the water.
Foot Entrapments
This is one of the most common causes of entrapment. A swimmer in strong currents tries to stand up, or a wadding paddler looses their footing. They fall face down into the water, with their foot trapped and the pressure of the water against the backs of their legs forces them underwater.
Like all entrapments, they are best avoided and swimmers should keep their feet and hands up on the surface and remain on their backs to prevent anything getting trapped. A swimmer should NEVER stand up in the flow.
Line Snags
Often caused by poorly packed Throw Lines with knots or entanglements in them getting caught between rocks on the river and pulling taught. A swimmer on the end of the line unable to let go or cut themselves free will be pulled under the water and held there by the current.
Strainers
- Main article: Strainers
Strainers are caused by fallen trees, low-lying branches or other obstructions reaching across a river where the water is still flowing under them. They can trap a swimmer] or boater and force them under the water, or hold them in place.
Dangers of Entrapment
Neck Injury
If the entrapment is at the head (commonly caused by nose-clip ties or loose helmet straps) then it is likely that their neck will be jerked by the entrapment. As above, their boat will be moved on beneath them and all the force will then be channelled through the neck, causing significant injury or even a breakage.
Broken Limbs
If a limb is entrapped, the bone may be broken by the fore of water trying to pull the body one way and the entrapment holding the limb in place. This can happen to ankle joints if a swimmer attempts to stand up in moving water.
Rescues
Rescuing entrapped swimmers often means swift action. <more to come>
