What is the lost kayaker procedure?

• A. Paddle toward shore and signal
• B. Stay put and wait for rescue
• C. Regroup, retrace, call for help
• D. Paddle as fast as possible to head-on position

Answer: (C)

When a kayaker is lost, the priority is to reestablish the group, backtrack to where contact was lost, and get help moving as quickly as possible. Regrouping keeps everyone within sight, reduces the chance of further drift or separation, and makes it clear who is where and who is responsible for what. Retracing the last known route helps you reconnect with familiar landmarks and the expected path, so you can reorient yourselves and verify your location. Calling for help immediately uses available tools—such as a VHF radio, a cell phone, or distress signals—to alert rescuers and coordinate a rescue. This approach combines safety, clarity, and speed. Other options can pull you further apart or delay help: paddling toward shore without regrouping can strand teammates or send you into hazardous shoreline conditions; waiting passively for rescue can waste precious time if you’re not in visible range; racing to a “head-on” position ignores the need to reconnect with your group and secure assistance.