Visual Signals
There is a tendency to rely on electronic communication tools but as we’ve seen this isn’t always the most reliable way to communicate. Batteries can die, waterproof seals can fail, the radio is out of reach or falls overboard, or the paddler is just too busy paddling to use the radio. The weather, ocean conditions, or the nature of the emergency can also hinder effective communication. This makes knowing the three means of manual signaling very important for kayakers who like to explore as a group and/or push the envelope of safe kayaking.
The three methods of manual signaling from kayak to kayak or from shore to kayak are using the paddle, using your arms, or using a whistle. A combination of the whistle followed by arm or paddle signals can be more effective than using one system alone. Whistle, arm, or paddle signals should be met with the OK signal once the message is understood. Some signal methods work better than others when distances are involved.
The following signals are basic signals and the ones we urge you to learn:
Paddle Signals
EMERGENCY
(Come to Me)
Paddle stood vertically on one end and waved back and forth
WAYPOINT
(Meet Here)
Paddle stood vertically on end and held stationary
GO THAT WAY
(Left or Right)
Paddle stood on end and leaning in the desired direction
OKAY TO PADDLE
(Go!)
Paddle held horizontal overhead and pumped in a paddling motion. Slow pumps = take it easy, fast pumps = paddle faster/harder
STOP
Paddle held horizontally overhead motionless
Arm Signals
EMERGENCY
(Come to Me)
One arm waving side to side overhead. Or, both arms waving overhead while crossing each other
ROUND UP
(Everyone Come Here)
One arm and finger-pointing up and making vertical circles
GO THAT WAY
(Left or Right)
One arm and finger raising from the center of the chest and pointing in the desired direction
OKAY TO PADDLE
(Go!)
Arms held horizontal overhead and pumped in a paddling motion. Slow pumps = take it easy, fast pumps = paddle faster/harder
STOP
From a distance the arms are held overhead in a crossed position, at shorter distances one arm held up with a closed fist, and from shore arms held upwards with palms out fingers spread held motionless
BACK UP/GO BACK
From shore, the same signal as stop but pumping both hands back and forth
COME HERE/COME IN
One or both hands up, palms facing back and pumping back and forth
STRAIGHT IN
From shore both hands up with palms facing each other pumping hands back and forth
ONE PERSON ONLY
Pointing one finger up combined with the come in sign
OKAY
(Understood)
Make an “O” with one arm, fingertips to the center of the head or at a distance with both arms making the “O” with fingertips touching
Whistle Signals
EMERGENCY
(Come to Me)
Three blasts or continuously blasting the whistle without pauses
ROUND UP
(Everyone Come Here)
Two blasts, pause, two blasts, etc
ATTENTION
One Blast