SUP Rescue Boards – the material for water rescue

Together with the German Life Saving Society (DLRG), we have developed inflatable SUP Rescue Boards, specially for use in water and ice rescue. Many small, clever highlights make these stand-up paddling boards a perfect tool for rescuing people in water or on ice in winter.

The SEAL 10.5 RESCUE

The SUP Rescue Board GTS Seal II 10.5 was specially developed for surveillance and rescue in inland and coastal waters. A further development is the new bottom deck of the inflatable SUP. Equipped with 2 flexible rails, it can be used for rescue on ice. With this inflatable rescue board, we offer an absolutely high-quality and safe rescue board, which even allows for a board roll to pick up a person sideways without problems.

The Malibu 12.0 RESCUE

The SUP Rescue Board GTS MALIBU 12.0 was specially developed for use in water rescue. A board roll to pick up a person sideways is easily possible. Additionally, it features a special stern for picking up and transporting a rescued person. The German Life Saving Society (DLRG) and the Water Watch of the German Red Cross use this SUP board for rescue and surveillance of waters.

The Malibu 12.0 Stand Up Paddle Board has a total of 12 side handles to allow a person, who may also be agitated and panicking, to hold on anywhere. The side handles are extra long and sturdy enough to pull a person out of the water onto a board or even transport them ashore.

The term water rescue primarily refers to all assistance measures in emergencies on and in the water. This includes, of course, bathing accidents, boating accidents, watersports incidents, and ice accidents. The rescue of people and animals takes place in stagnant and flowing waters, on the beach, and, of course, on ice in winter.

In Germany, the DLRG usually takes over water rescue services (also called WDR). However, there are also many local aid organizations that sometimes support the other aid organizations. The boards of the respective water rescue organizations are used in this country on rivers and inland lakes as well as on the North and Baltic Sea coasts.

An absolute must for stand-up paddling is being able to swim well and safely. Hoping to cling to the board in an emergency is not enough, especially not in flowing waters. Physical prerequisites must be met, as well as the understanding that this is a sport that can be dangerous under certain circumstances.

In addition, we recommend every stand-up paddler to complete a first aid course, or even better, a lifeguard course. Remember, there are situations where it's not just about your own safety; you might also have to rush to the aid of another stand-up paddler or swimmer.

How can I prepare myself for a tour as a stand-up paddler so that emergencies don't even arise? If you're not just paddling a little on a supervised swimming lake on the weekend, or doing a SUP yoga session, but perhaps even planning a great tour on flowing waters or the open sea, important points should be on your to-do list.

The most important safety regulations at a glance:

• Please always use a life jacket or alternative rescue device.
• The weight of people and equipment must not exceed the maximum load capacity.
• Do not paddle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
• Observe weather and sea conditions; cold water and cold weather can lead to hypothermia.
• Watch out for offshore winds and currents.
• Check the weather forecast and inform yourself about sea and weather conditions before your tour.
• Don't overestimate your paddling ability. Be aware of your limitations.
• Pay attention to river water levels, tidal changes, currents, and obstacles in and on the water.
• Check your equipment for signs of wear, leaks, or other defects before each use.
• If necessary, use a leash to connect to your board.
• Always inform someone about your paddling route, the time and place of your departure, and your intended arrival.
• Make sure you can leave the board if necessary.

A good and, above all, safe tour begins with the right equipment. If possible, use a high-quality, durable, and robust SUP. For our inflatable boards, make sure they have sufficient air pressure of 15psi / 1bar.

Choose the right board for your tour. A touring board, with sufficient volume and suitable length and width. If you are a beginner, it is not advisable to immediately try a narrow racer board, as you may lack stability and experience.

Observe the maximum load capacity of your board.

Now for the most important part.

Plan your tour. A look at the weather report can be vital.

The weather on the water, at sea or in the mountains can often change in minutes.

It is sometimes better to cancel a tour than to be surprised by sudden thunderstorms on the water.

Inform your family, friends, and acquaintances about your tour route, which waters you will be navigating, and where your stopovers are. Report back at agreed-upon times so that everyone knows you have arrived safely. State as precisely as possible when you are paddling away, where to, and when you will be back, or where you will arrive.

Report back to this person after the tour is completed.

The more precise the definition of the tour, the easier it will be, should an emergency occur, to inform your rescuers of your current location.

It is important, especially for river tours, to be as informed as possible about weirs, whirlpools, rocks and boulders, waterfalls, and standing waves. How can I best avoid such obstacles, and what should I do if I still get caught in one?

Therefore, the best thing to do is never plan your tour alone, but with at least one other person.

Other important items for safely planning your tour. A mobile phone should always be with you.

Waterproof dry bags are excellent for this; you can find them in any good SUP/watersports store or online.

For longer tours, a whistle and a multi-tool with a cutting device are absolutely essential. As well as

a rescue tube (safety buoy that activates in an emergency, similar to an airbag, which you can hold onto) sunscreen, spare clothing, and some cash.

If your tour takes place on flowing water, it is recommended to wear a whitewater vest and a helmet. This protects against rocks and boulders in the water if you fall off the board.

Remember, your clothing should always match the current weather and water temperatures. Not just the outside temperature. It might be a mild 18 degrees outside, while a flowing body of water in the mountains might only be 5 degrees.

Especially in spring and autumn, when the outside temperature is pleasantly warm, the water can still be very cold. For these cases, it is best to wear a wetsuit. You can also find these in any well-stocked water sports shop.

How to behave in an EMERGENCY SITUATION?

In the event of an emergency, whether it's your own or another paddler's, the most important points apply first:

Make yourself noticeable!

Shout loudly, call for help, wave with colorful cloths, whatever you have with you

If it is not a personal emergency, remember exactly where someone has gone under, for example, and inform the arriving rescue workers.

Provide first aid, as far as it is reasonable and does not put your own life in danger.

If you are in fast-flowing water (whitewater - river/strong currents), it may be better to detach yourself from the leash, as in the worst case, the board can get caught in branches or rocks in the water, and you will be carried away by the current but unable to detach from the board.

Stay Safe and have fun stand-up paddling, wishes you

Your GTS SUP Team