Logging Paddlesport Activity with HM Coastguard
Recently, the Coastguard has seen an increase in members of the public calling the Coastguard for help when they have seen people who appear to be in distress. This shows a positive attitude towards calling the Coastguard, but, sometimes those groups out on the sea may simply be practising.
HM Coastguard advises that if you are planning on conducting activities which could be interpreted as a real emergency then this activity and contact details should be logged with the Coastguard in advance. Logging activity provides the Coastguard with an awareness of those out on the water. It means the Coastguard can contact those people to confirm if they are in difficulty prior to launching any assets to go and rescue them. It can be done for any journey, rescue practice, or other paddlesport activities around the coast.
How To Log Paddlesport Activity with HM Coastguard
The Coastguard refer to this logging of activity as a “Routine Traffic Report”. This can be done by calling the nearest Coastguard Operations room to let them know of your plans, either by mobile phone or VHF.
- To find details of the nearest rescue coordination centre to your activity, go to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hm-coastguard-rescue-coordination-centre-contact-details
- The centre will ask for details about the activity, such as: the number of people, type of craft, plans, location, colours worn, safety equipment carried etc.
- Then, after the activity it is important to call the centre back and inform them that you are safely off the water.
As a reminder, if you are in difficulty or see someone in difficulty around the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. You can also call channel 16 on VHF radio.
Further details can be found in the RNLI news story.
Sea Kayak Rescue Practise
If you are taking part in sea kayaking activities it is important to practise rescue scenarios so that you are prepared should you find yourself in an emergency situation. Paddle UK recommends practising different types of rescue and potential incidents, including:
- Contact and towing rescues
- Self-rescues
- Deep water rescues
- Dealing with equipment damage/failure
- Landing and first aid
When practising rescue scenarios it is important that not all group members are in the water at the same time. Coaches and leaders also need to consider safe practices if lone working. It is also important to follow basic safety advice including wearing a buoyancy aid and carrying a means of calling for help.