SUP Rescue Boards – the material for water rescue

Together with the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG), we have developed inflatable SUP rescue boards specifically for use in water and ice rescue. Numerous clever little features make these stand-up paddleboards a perfect tool for rescuing people on the water or, in winter, on ice.

The SEAL 10.5 RESCUE

The SUP Rescue Boards GTS Seal II 10.5 was specially developed for surveillance and rescue use in inland and coastal waters. The inflatable SUP's new lower deck is a further development. Equipped with two flexible rails, it can be used for rescues on ice. With this inflatable rescue board, we offer a high-quality and safe rescue board that even allows for a board roll to easily pick up a person from the side.

The Malibu 12.0 RESCUE

The SUP Rescue Boards GTS MALIBU 12.0 was specially developed for use in water rescue. A board roll is easily possible for picking up a person from the side. It also features a special rear section for picking up and transporting a rescued person. The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) and the German Red Cross Water Rescue Service use this SUP board for rescue and monitoring waterways.

The Malibu 12.0 The stand-up paddle board has a total of 12 side handles to allow a person, even those who may be nervous or panicked, to hold on to anything. The side handles are extra long and sturdy enough to pull a person from the water onto the board or even transport them to land.

The term water rescue primarily refers to all emergency responses to emergencies on and in the water. This includes swimming accidents, boating accidents, accidents during water sports, and ice accidents. The rescue of people and animals takes place in still and flowing waters, on the beach, and, of course, in winter, on ice.

In Germany, the German Lifeboat Association (DLRG) is primarily responsible for water rescue services (also known as WDR for short). However, there are also many local aid organizations that sometimes support other aid organizations. The boards of these water rescue organizations are deployed in this country on rivers and inland lakes, as well as along 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 isn't enough, especially in flowing water. Therefore, you need to have the physical requirements, as well as an understanding that this is a sport that can sometimes be dangerous.

We also recommend that every stand-up paddler 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 may also need to rush to the aid of another stand-up paddler or swimmer.

How can I prepare for a stand-up paddleboard trip so that emergencies don't arise in the first place? If you're not just planning a weekend paddle on a lifeguarded lake or a SUP yoga session, but perhaps even a great trip on rivers or the open sea, there are some important things you should keep 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 persons 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.
• Be aware of weather and sea conditions; cold water and cold weather can lead to hypothermia.
• Be aware of offshore winds and currents.
• Check the weather forecast and find out about the sea and weather conditions before your trip.
• 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 destination.
• Make sure you can leave the board if necessary.

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

Choose the right board for your tour. A touring board with sufficient volume and the right length and width. If you're a beginner, it's not advisable to jump right into a narrow racer board; you may lack the stability and experience.

Note the maximum load capacity of your board.

Now comes the most important thing.

Plan your trip. Checking the weather forecast can be crucial to survival.

The weather can often change in a matter of minutes by the water, at the sea or in the mountains.

Sometimes it is better to cancel a trip than to be surprised by sudden thunderstorms out on the water.

Inform your family, friends, and acquaintances about where your trip is going, which waters you'll be navigating, and where your stops are. Check in at agreed times so everyone knows you've arrived safely. Be as specific as possible about when you're leaving, where you're going, and when you'll be back, or where you'll be arriving.

Please also check in with this person after the tour has been completed.

The more precise the definition of the tour is, the easier it is to let your rescuers know where you are in the event of an emergency.

When touring a river, it's very important to be as informed as possible about weirs, whirlpools, rocks and stones, waterfalls, and whirlpools. How can I best avoid such obstacles, and what should I do if I do get caught in one?

It is therefore best never to plan your tour alone, but with at least one other person.

Other important items for safely planning your trip: A cell phone should always be with you.

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

For longer tours, a whistle and a multi-tool with cutting tools are absolutely essential.

a rescue tube (a safety buoy that is activated in an emergency, similar to an airbag, that you can hold on to), sun protection, 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 will protect you from stones and rocks in the water if you fall off the board.

Remember, your clothing should always be appropriate for the current weather and water temperatures. Not just the outside temperature. It might be a balmy 18 degrees outside, while a stream in the mountains might be only 5 degrees.

Especially in spring and fall, when the outside temperature is pleasantly warm, the water can still be quite cold. In these cases, it's best to wear a wetsuit. You can find these at any well-stocked water sports shop.

How do I behave in an EMERGENCY SITUATION?

In the event of an emergency, whether involving yourself or another paddler, the most important points to consider first are:

Make yourself noticeable!

Be sure to shout loudly, scream for help, wave colored cloths, whatever you have with you

If it is not a personal emergency, note exactly where someone has drowned, for example, and inform the arriving rescue services.

Provide first aid as far as is reasonable and does not endanger your own life.

If you are in fast-flowing water (whitewater - river/strong currents) it may be better to detach yourself from the leash, because in the worst case scenario the board can get caught in the branches or stones in the water and you will be carried away by the current but will not be able to detach yourself from the board.

Stay safe and have fun stand up paddling!