Safety plea made to kayakers using River Spey
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
KAYAKERS and canoeists using the River Spey are being urged to put safety first to avoid tragedy striking.
The plea has been made jointly by the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, HM Coastguard and the Fochabers Angling Association (FAA).
A lack of training and experience, insufficient knowledge of the river – the fastest flowing in the UK – insufficient or inappropriate equipment, plus unwise behaviour were all cited as factors which could lead to kayakers or canoeists getting into trouble and requiring rescue.
FAA president Gordie Young called for more training and regulation to be put in place so kayakers and canoeists can enjoy the water safely and with greater confidence.
He said: "In my view the majority of kayakers and canoeists who get into trouble do so because of a lack of training, experience, the proper gear and, quite simply, doing stupid things while they're on the water.
"I think there has to be some form of compulsory training or licensing brought in setting out what they can and can't do. Some of the kayakers and canoeists don't wear life jackets and one of the worst things I've seen is people standing up in their kayaks or canoes, which is a no-no especially in the river.
"Those who take groups kayaking or canoeing should also be licensed if they aren't already.
"I've also seen people using paddleboards on the Spey. I'm afraid our fastest flowing river is no place for paddleboards. The ankle leash most of these have can actually be dangerous on the river; if you get caught in a whirlpool you're tied to the board and can't swim away.
"I do want to stress, though, that from the anglers' point of view we don't have any issues with people being on the water, the water's for everyone but there needs to be regulation. They're not a bother to anglers, they're a bother to themselves."
Crew Commander Dave Crawford from Fochabers fire station urged kayakers and canoeists – along with other river users – to think carefully before taking to the water.
He continued: "It can be tempting to go into the water when you see it on a nice, warm summer's day but many people don't appreciate the dangers that can lurk on a river, for example sharp rocks under the surface.
"There has to be some sort of education involved before people go out on the water.
"We're experiencing an increasing number of call-outs to help kayakers and canoeists in trouble on the river and unfortunately they sometimes end with a fatality. It's not just lone kayakers or canoeists who are at risk, it can happen to organised groups."
Coastguard Senior Coastal Operations Officer Colin Wood stressed that there were many hazards on the water waiting to entrap the unwary.
"You'll never completely stop accidents, even when people are wearing the right gear, it's the lack of knowledge and experience which is posing the biggest danger.
"Having the right gear is very important, though – you sometimes see people in kayaks and canoes just wearing a T-shirt and shorts which will provide no protection to them if they end up in the water.
"One of the biggest risks on the Spey is entrapment hazards, such as tree roots and rocks. When it's high water you can go over the top of them but when the water's lower they can catch you out.
"It's worth remembering that the stretch of the Spey from Fochabers to the mouth of the river is potentially quite dangerous.
"We want folk to enjoy it, but we want folk to enjoy is safely."
Mr Wood went on to emphasise the Float to Live message for those who find themselves in an emergency situation in the water: Tilt your head back with ears submerged; Relax and try and breathe normally; Move your hands to help you stay afloat; Don't panic if your legs sink – everyone floats differently; Spread your arms and legs to improve stability.
Anyone who believes they have spotted someone in difficulty in the water is urged to immediately call 999.
