On-Water Communication: Whistle and Paddle Signals

When paddling, different factors can  affect good verbal communication.

  • Distance
  • Wind
  • Not speaking loudly and clearly
  • Not being face to face
  • Age, i.e. hearing loss

Here is a quick review of whistle and paddle signals to communicate with your paddling group when verbal communication is compromised; or download this document to  take with you.

Whistle Signals

  • ONE loud whistle blast: Attention. Stop and look for further direction.
  • TWO loud whistle blasts: Stop. Stay where year - look for further direction.
  • THREE loud whistle blasts: Emergency.

Paddle Signals

signals-horizontalpaddle

Paddle held horizontally over your head with two hands:
STOP. STAY WHERE YOU ARE.

 

 

signals-verticalpaddle

 

Paddle held vertically over your head:
GATHER AROUND THE PERSON HOLDING THE PADDLE.

signals-pointpaddle

 

Paddle held at 45 degrees to body:
GO IN DIRECTION PADDLE IS POINTING TO.

 

 

signals-wavepaddle

 

Paddle overhead, waving back and forth:
EMERGENCY. COME HERE. HELP.

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