On Sunday 25th March 2007 Victoria University Canoe Club held a trip on the lower Otaki River. Unfortunately one of the group suffered a dislocated shoulder part way through the trip resulting in a 111 call out, and a rescue by the Square Trust rescue helicopter from Palmerston North.
The accident was an unfortunate occurance on an otherwise well organised and equipped trip. The decision to engage emergency services was not taken lightheartedly and was the correct decision given the number of people on the river, the time of day, and the ratio of more experienced paddlers to learners.
The group was well supplied with emergency equipment including first aid kit, survival blanket, and first aid knowledge.
The Club does take river safety very seriously and as always will learn from the experience.
The Club would like to thank emergency services and particularly the Square Trust rescue helicopter crew for their services on the day.
You can read a more comical review of the days events (PDF format) by Andrew Croskery. You may also want to read VUCC's current safety policy.
