'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
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Dave_5280
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RedSky
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
Positive stories like these should be considered before closing down a site due to whatever reasons, safety concerns etc.
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Toby
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
great story!!!
Yes, several times people had been rescued by kiters...and how many have been killed?
Good argument to keep beaches open.
Yes, several times people had been rescued by kiters...and how many have been killed?
Good argument to keep beaches open.
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espana23
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
Great story indeed! In such a situation, which method do you guys think is the most effective to help someone while not putting yourself in danger?
-Mike
-Mike
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andylc
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
I was surprised he said he kept one hand on the woman and one on the kite - would think best approach is for them to hold onto the handle pass attachment on the back of the harness so you can concentrate on pulling them in with the kite.
Also very well equipped with a buoyancy device and a locator beacon!
Also very well equipped with a buoyancy device and a locator beacon!
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leeuwen
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
I think most of us know already but be very cautious when saving drowning people.
They will grab anything for leverage potentially pulling on your bar or, worse case, triggering your safety.
Talk to them before engaging talking about where they can take hold of you.
Best case you are on a (surf)board with volume which you can offer them from a distance even if they are in a frenzy.
Not sure if offering them a twintip will do them any good if they are in a state where they cannot be reasoned with.
They will grab anything for leverage potentially pulling on your bar or, worse case, triggering your safety.
Talk to them before engaging talking about where they can take hold of you.
Best case you are on a (surf)board with volume which you can offer them from a distance even if they are in a frenzy.
Not sure if offering them a twintip will do them any good if they are in a state where they cannot be reasoned with.
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Bille
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
If I were on my TT , or directional, i would remove my pdf and toss it
to them, ; no way , would i get anywhere near a drowning person, with
my body, till they mellowed out, after grabbing the flotation i offered
them.
Bille
to them, ; no way , would i get anywhere near a drowning person, with
my body, till they mellowed out, after grabbing the flotation i offered
them.
Bille
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Onda
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
Very good advice, Bille.
Otherwise you´d risk to get "hugged to drown" by the panicing person... Very common issue when rescuing drowning persons.
Otherwise you´d risk to get "hugged to drown" by the panicing person... Very common issue when rescuing drowning persons.
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andylc
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
So what percentage of us wear a PFD? I don’t I must admit, nor an impact vest or helmet. Discuss.
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Havre
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Re: 'I was just delighted to help': Kite surfer rescues swimmer in difficulty in West Cork
Not sure if it is possible to give general advice in such a situation. If the person is flapping around like crazy you might just do more harm than good getting too close. If you can calmly communicate with the person I don't see any problem getting in close as long as you are fairly skilled. Not sure what I would do. Probably drop my board and ask the person to hang on to my harness/leash. Body drag back.
My leash snapped once leaving me in the middle of nowhere without a kite. It was a lot easier to swim back with the board than without one - or at least a lot more comfortable. So giving someone your board (even a TT) would help in my opinion.
I can't see it being mentioned but I really hope the kiter got a fine for breaking Covid-19 protocol. Keep your distance is the most important thing.
My leash snapped once leaving me in the middle of nowhere without a kite. It was a lot easier to swim back with the board than without one - or at least a lot more comfortable. So giving someone your board (even a TT) would help in my opinion.
I can't see it being mentioned but I really hope the kiter got a fine for breaking Covid-19 protocol. Keep your distance is the most important thing.