What happens if a paddler falls overboard in a dragon boat race?
A · Advanced · Long races and discipline · 4 of 4If a crew is in distress, such as a paddler overboard, the drummer or steerer waves the boat's red flags above the head. Without flags, they use the arm signal: arms out, raised to cross above the head and back, repeated until rescue boats respond. Every event has a safety officer and a safety plan. Signalling distress without cause is punished.
How it works
- Distress: the drummer or steerer waves red flags overhead.
- No flags: arms out, raised to cross above the head and lowered, repeated.
- Rescue boats: trained crews on the water.
- Safety officer: responsible for the event safety plan.
- Crew information: a crew sheet for safety use.
- False distress signal: action under the Disciplinary Code.
- Endangering others: a crew may be disqualified.
- Avoiding collisions: a crew out of control must stop paddling.
The glossary has the distress signal, the safety officer, the fit to race, the collisions, the drummer and the steerer.
Tricky cases
A crew loses control near the finish of a 2000 m race. What must it do?
Avoid a collision at all costs, which may mean stopping paddling.
Can a crew raise a distress signal to stop a race it is losing?
No. A distress signal without cause brings action under the Disciplinary Code.
Must a boat carry red flags?
The rules expect red flags to be carried for this purpose; without them, the arm signal is used.
Does a capsized crew get a re-race?
If a boat was swamped by conditions and the race was materially affected, the chief official may order a re-run.
Why the rule exists
Long boats with twenty paddlers can capsize, so a clear signal brings help fast. Punishing false alarms protects the signal's meaning.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| With flags | Red flags overhead | RR 7.7.1 |
| Without flags | International distress signal | RR 7.7.1 |
| Swamped by conditions | Possible re-run | RR 6.16 |
From the rule book
IDBF, Rules of Racing (Part 2 of the Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing, Edition 9.0, 2025), rules 3.13, 6.16, 7.7.1, 7.8 and 10.6. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IDBF Competition Regulations and Rules of Racing.