Maybe this sport needs Lifeguards!

[Rick McClain]

Yesterday one of our sailors had a mechanical breakdown about midway across Sulfur Creek and had to swim his equipment all the way to shore. That's a long swim and could have ended quite differently had the wind direction been different or stronger, or had the water been colder.

No one even seemed to notice this guy that was in the water for a very significant time.

It should have been easy to realize that he was having problems. Anyone that is in the water instead of on his board for over 5 minutes or can't seem to get going for any reason at least deserves a swing by to check on him/her. This is true whether they are good sailors or not; or whether you even know them or not.

We could all end up with a broken boom, mast, fin box or fin, universal joint, or numerous other maladies that could endanger our lives.

This case turned out OK, but the next one might not.

We all need to be lifeguards. If you are sailing and see someone down, check to see if they are still in the water on your next pass. If you are on shore and see someone down, keep an eye on them for a little while. ..and if you are one of the last ones to pack up and leave give the water a good once over to see if anyone seems to need help.

It could be you or one of your good buddies in the water next time.

Let's all be lifeguards.

[Kevin Simmons]

I hear you Rick! You have stopped by and checked on me before. Fortunately I had no problems, just being a newb. Although I feel I can paddle halfway across the lakes here if needed, it's nice to know others are looking out for me.

Is there a protocol you should follow when you break down like sit on your board and wave your arms? What if you're all alone? Do you just roll-up your sail and lay on top of your gear and paddle in surfer style?

We all need to be lifeguards. If you are sailing and see someone down, check to see if they are still in the water on your next pass. If you are on shore and see someone down, keep an eye on them for a little while. ..and if you are one of the last ones to pack up and leave give the water a good once over to see if anyone seems to need help.

It could be you or one of your good buddies in the water next time.

Let's all be lifeguards.

[RickHeninger]

This is a great topic to review... You are right Rick, you never know when it'll be you.

The signals that they used in the "Blowout" (long distance downwinder in the Gorge) are as follows.

If you are in need of help you do get up on your board as high as possible and wave your arms or legs and yell for help! If you are just fine and are resting and feel that you need no assistance, you should do what they called the "Monkey Sign"... Seriously... You put your right or left arm straight up and then bend your wrist until your fingertips touch the top of your head... Like a monkey itching its head but the fingers and hand are straight pointing down into your head! What ever you decide to itch with the submerged hand is totally up to you... And maybe just better kept that way! If I ever sail alone which I have to admit I have and do once in a while, I'll look for somebody on shore and ask them how long they're going to be there and to give me a honk when they are leaving. You can even communicate to them that you are at the lake alone and if they hear you yelling or whistling that you could need some assistance "just in case".

PS... Kevin, you do try to roll up your sail around the mast and put it on top of the board and try to swim in... If you are very cold you tie what ever will help your sail float to it and leave it and swim in on your floaty board. I you are close enough to shore and cold but feel your expensive gear is worth the risk, you put it all on your board and leave it and swim in if you have a life jacket on. You want to do whatever will get you the warmest the quickest. Probably, the best policy is DON'T SAIL ALONE... (whenever possible)

[Rick McClain]

Rick Heninger's advise is the best...but at some point you have to get in the water and swim your gear to shore. At that point, you can't swim, watch for nearby rescuers, and signal all at the same time. Swim is about all you can do. You are at the mercy of your fellow "Liveguards" on shore watching out for "Sailors in Distress," indicated by being in the water for an excessive period of time.

[JimSouthwick]

But if you DO choose to sail alone (and I often do) maybe you should consider wearing a PFD - for several reasons: 1.) If you suffer a rig separation, and the board gets away from you (yes, it's happened to ME, at the Hood River Marina, in 1984) the flotation just might save your life. (2.) A PFD provides a little extra insulation in case you're out there for a long time. (3.) If you decide to detach your rig and paddle in on your board, you can use the PFD as an RFD (rig flotation device) - Alberto did that earlier this summer when he broke a mast.

[layne.peterson]

Cindy has a whistle in her life jacket pocket now (instead of sitting in the trailer) and I am planning to get one as well. Not only can you get someone's attention if your gear breaks but you can also get someones attention if you get sucked into the Sulfur Creek death weeds. It would have definitely come in handy that day!