Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue

Learn from real incidents. Master the skills. Stay safe on the sea.

Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue by Gordon Brown is a must-have guide for every sea kayaker — from beginner to expert. Building on his acclaimed book Sea Kayak, Gordon brings his decades of experience and engaging teaching style to focus on the vital topics of safety, prevention, and rescue in real-world conditions.

Each chapter begins with a real-life kayaking incident that sets the scene and reveals the lessons learned. Gordon then unpacks the principles of risk awareness, decision-making, teamwork, and self-reliance before exploring the hard skills in detail. Supported by numerous full-colour photographs, every section blends story, theory, and practical instruction to help paddlers anticipate problems and respond effectively.

Inside you’ll discover how to:

• Recognize and avoid risks through effective planning and awareness
• Master essential rescue techniques for solo and group situations
• Develop sound decision-making under pressure
• Apply safety principles to real-world coastal environments
• Reflect and learn from experience — the foundation of expert paddling

Written in Gordon’s clear and often humorous voice, this book combines technical expertise with human insight. Whether you’re training for leadership awards or simply exploring your local coastline, this is an essential companion for safe, confident sea kayaking.