On Sunday, February 21, Steve
Northcutt and I decided to take our first river trip of the season. The
Rappahanock was a healthy level, so we loaded a kayak, C-1, and
associated gear, put on wetsuits, and headed for Falmouth Rapids. At the
put-in, two men waved at us from Lauk’s Island . They repeated the
gesture, as did we. All of a sudden we thought those guys might be in
trouble: As I hailed a passerby, Steve got in his boat and ferried
across the river. He ferried back and reported that the men had been
paddling and had broached their canoe on a rock, losing all their
equipment in Falmouth Rapids. They had managed to make it to the island
despite the cold water, but were thoroughly chilled despite the 60
degree temperatures. They were wearing blue jeans (the mark of the
rugged outdoorsman) but no life vests.
During this time the policeman,
Officer Rodney Coates, had radioed the rescue squad. Steve and I raced
home to get our open boats, which were more suited for rescue. Returning
in fifteen minutes, we found two ambulances and a fire truck at the
scene, and a motorboat arrived soon after we did. We pulled down our
boats and threw in extra life jackets. The rescue squad gave us some
blankets, and we ferried out to the island. Then minutes later, we were
back with the victims, who were taken to Mary Washington Hospital as a
precaution.
The rescue squad personnel were
cooperative in the effort, and quite impressed by the ferrying
capabilities we had. They did not think it was possible to “fight the
current”, although given proper technique it was quite easy. Although
the rescue squad has a line gun which has been used to get ropes to
stranded victims in the past, this method is quite tough on them since
it requires total immersion on cold, fast water. In one instance a
victim was unconscious upon reaching shore, having tied himself into a
rope (a dangerous procedure in itself). It may also take several shots
to reach the victim with the time and risk of additional injury it
entails. Clearly the best and fastest rescue is by a boat handled by
those skilled in dealing with white water.
Editor’s
note: Many rescue squads will give all sorts of reasons for not making
use of assistance offered by skilled paddlers. This area is fortunate in
having more flexible officers.