Hand Signals

From Rafting Grand Canyon

Hand signals are worth knowing and should be practiced before you need them in a rescue situation.

Your trip should agree on a sign language at the start of your trip. If you have comments or additions, mention them. Here is a list of possible hand signals. Not all trips will use all of these.

1. Point to safety. If you see a rock or a hole or the best run through a rapid, point at the best route, not the danger.

2. Are You OK? - I'M OK - Pat yourself on the head or the thumb on forefinger OK signal. From far away, form your arms in a big O over your head. This is both a statement and a question. A pat on the head can be a question – Are you ok? And a pat on the head back says “Yes, I’m ok” or “Yes, I’m ready.”

3. DANGER/HELP!/NO! Cross your arms over your head in an X.

4. READY - Hold paddle vertical or thumbs up.

5. EDDY OUT – circle arm overhead and then point to the side of the river to pull to shore to.

6. SPEED UP - Move fist in circle like locomotive wheel

7. SLOW DOWN - Wipe brow with forearm (as in "we're getting tired")

8. PERSON OVERBOARD - Stroke arms as in an air swim, and intersperse by pointing to the swimmer. Alternatively, hold a paddle or arm vertically and point to swimmer.

9. HUNGRY/LUNCH - Open mouth and point to it

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