Last Monday, while kayaking down the Squamish River, a friend and I had our kayaks overturned when we were swept into a large tree in the middle of the river.
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to avoid it, we were carried into it by the current.
We were able to tie our kayaks to the snag while we bailed them out. We got my companion safely back into his kayak, but because of the current and being over waist-deep in water, I could not get back into my kayak.
I climbed onto the snag, and we assessed the situation.
The nearest shore, cluttered with large trees through which the current flowed rapidly, was uninviting.
The far shore was quite a distance, and we could not determine if I could walk safely to it.
We were out of the water and relatively safe, so we decided to stay put.
Quarterbacked by my wife, 911 was called.
The SAR team mobilized a co-ordinated response on the ground, in the air, and on the water. The RCMP trailered and launched their jet boat.
The Coast Guard put out a mayday call on VHF.
A family in a RIB at the mouth of the Squamish River heard the VHF call.
They motored up the river. AJ, Amber, and Logan manoeuvered skillfully and picked me up off the snag, cold, wet and very grateful.
Simultaneously, the RCMP jet boat, carrying three wonderful officers, picked up my friend and brought him and our two kayaks to shore.
Once ashore, we met other members of the team who were involved, another RCMP officer who assiduously kept my wife informed as to the progress of the operation and was extremely supportive.
I learned a number of things: a situation can go from amazing to disastrous in an instant; bailing equipment, rope, life jackets, and a reliable communication device are a must when on the water in a kayak.
But most importantly, we are blessed to have an emergency response system powered by knowledgeable, caring and competent staff and volunteers.
The role of people on the water who listen to VHF channel 16 and who respond to emergencies when they can be of help is so important.
We are blessed to have such a system in place.
I feel a little chagrined to have had to call on it. If we had gone around the snag on the other side we would likely have been fine.
I want to thank very sincerely, on behalf of myself and my friend, Robert, and our families, all of those who were involved in providing assistance and care so promptly.
In grateful appreciation.
John Guilfoyle
Squamish
