# Swimmer Rescue from Canoe

Part of the Canoeing Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/canoeing/guide/index.md)

*8. Capsizing & Rescue*

> **8e.** Perform a canoe rescue of a conscious swimmer.

A swimmer in the water — whether they fell out of their own boat, jumped in to cool off and got into trouble, or capsized a watercraft — needs to be rescued efficiently without capsizing your canoe in the process. This skill bridges canoe handling with water rescue.

## Approach the Swimmer

1. **Assess the situation** before you paddle over. Is the swimmer calm or panicking? Are they injured? Are there hazards (current, other boats, obstacles) between you and them?
2. **Approach from downwind or downstream** if possible. This gives you more control as you get close — you can slow down naturally rather than fighting to hold position.
3. **Approach the swimmer from the side**, not head-on. You do not want to hit them with the bow.
4. **Communicate clearly.** Call out: "We are coming to get you. Stay calm. We are going to bring you alongside."

> **Safety First!**
>
> A panicking swimmer can grab the canoe or the rescuers in ways that capsize the boat. If the swimmer is panicking, extend a paddle or throw a line to them first rather than bringing the canoe directly alongside. A panicking person will instinctively grab whatever they can — give them something to hold that is not you or the gunwale directly.

## Position the Canoe

1. **Bring the canoe alongside the swimmer** so the swimmer is at the center of the canoe (near the widest, most stable point).
2. **Both paddlers shift their weight to the far side** of the canoe to counterbalance the swimmer's weight as they come aboard.
3. **If using a rescue sling**, lower it over the near side so the swimmer can step into it.

## Get the Swimmer Aboard

### Method 1: Stern Pickup

This is the most stable approach:

1. **Position the swimmer at the stern** of the canoe, facing the transom.
2. **The swimmer grabs the stern gunwales** with both hands.
3. **On a count**, the swimmer kicks hard and pulls themselves up and over the stern, belly-first.
4. **The bow paddler leans forward** to counterbalance the weight at the stern.
5. **The swimmer rolls into the canoe** and moves to a stable position.

### Method 2: Side Pickup

Use when the swimmer is alongside the canoe:

1. **The counterbalancing paddler leans hard to the far side**, lowering that gunwale toward the water and raising the near gunwale slightly.
2. **The swimmer grabs the near gunwale** at the center of the canoe.
3. **On a count**, the swimmer kicks and pulls over the near gunwale while the paddler counterbalances.
4. **The swimmer rolls in belly-first**, keeping low, and immediately moves to the center of the canoe.

### Method 3: Paddle Bridge

If the swimmer cannot pull themselves in:

1. **Extend a paddle** across the canoe with the blade resting on the far gunwale and the grip extending over the near gunwale toward the swimmer.
2. **The swimmer grabs the paddle shaft** and uses it as a rail to pull themselves up and over the gunwale.
3. **Counterbalance** from the opposite side throughout.

> **Tip**
>
> Practice all three methods. In a real situation, you will use whichever one works for the swimmer's strength, size, and condition. A tired or cold swimmer may not have the strength for a self-rescue over the gunwale — that is when the paddle bridge or rescue sling earns its place.

## After the Rescue

1. **Check the swimmer** for signs of cold-water shock, hypothermia, or injury. Wrap them in a dry layer if available.
2. **Position the rescued swimmer** low in the center of the canoe for maximum stability.
3. **Paddle to shore** as directly as possible. A three-person canoe is less stable and harder to maneuver.
4. **If the swimmer's canoe is still in the water**, decide whether to tow it or return for it after reaching shore.

![A rescue canoe approaching a conscious swimmer in the water — the swimmer has one hand raised, the bow paddler is communicating, and the stern paddler is positioning the canoe alongside](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/canoeing/guide/canoe-swimmer-rescue?v=4acff0e5)

[American Canoe Association — Water Safety](https://americancanoe.org/safety/): ACA guidelines for water rescue from canoes and other paddlecraft.

You can rescue a swimmer from the water using your canoe. For the final rescue skill, you will learn how to use a throw bag from shore — one of the most effective tools in water rescue.

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- Previous: [Deep Water Canoe Rescue](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/canoeing/guide/req8d/index.md)
- Next: [Throw Bag Rescue](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/canoeing/guide/req8f/index.md)