Basic River Signals

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The Club uses the Internationally recognised IRA (Rafting) Signals. However, any signals used must be agreed by all before paddling and generally should need little or no explanation.

Universal Signs / River Signals

Stop! Paddle or arms held horizontally and moved slightly up and down

Stop! Potential hazard ahead. Wait for "all clear" signal before proceeding, or scout ahead. Form a horizontal bar with your outstretched arms. Those seeing the signal should pass it back to others in the party.

Stop 2 Stop Paddling
Go. or 1 down Paddle or arm held vertically in line with the body

All Clear: Come ahead (in the absence of other directions proceed down the center). Form a vertical bar with your paddle or one arm held high above your head. Paddle blade should be turned flat for maximum visibility.

ClearGo
Help/Emergency

Vertically held paddle or arm waved back and forth

Assist the signaler as quickly as possible. Give three long blasts on a police whistle while waving a paddle, helmet or life vest over your head. If a whistle is not available, use the visual signal alone. A whistle is best carried on a lanyard attached to your life vest.

help
Go that way.

Paddle held out at 45° (or as near as) to one side N.B. Never point at the hazard.

Right/Left: To signal direction or a preferred course through a rapid around obstruction, lower the previously vertical "all clear" by 45 degrees toward the side of the river with the preferred route. Never point toward the obstacle you wish to avoid.

go that wayGo that way
I'm ok I'm ok: I'm ok and not hurt. While holding the elbow outward toward the side, repeatedly pat the top of your head.

OK

Specialist signals (MUST be agreed within each group as not universal)

 Hard Landing  Fist hitting open palm

 boof move.  Open hand hitting open palm at about 45° and skating off at 45°  
 tree or sieve.  Hand held up with palm out and fingers stretched open  
 tongue of water  Pointing at outstretched tongue  
 go centre  Hand pointing to the centre of head or stomach then travelling up and down the centre of the body  
 there is an eddy there to use.  Index finger pointing up and moved in a circular motion, then pointed in a certain direction  
 rock.  Fist clenched and held up  
 hole.  Thumb and index finger held in a circle  
 throwbag needed to be used in direction indicated.  Arm moved as if throwing a dart  


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