Kudzu Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 The five Golden Rules: Always wear your PFD Always dress for the water temperature – no exceptions! Field-test your gear Swim-test your gear every time you go out Imagine the worst that can happen and prepare for it https://thepaddlerezine.wordpress.com/2015/07/31/the-golden-rules-of-cold-water-safety/ Quote
Action Tiger Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 All the lakes around here mandate PFDs because of a number of water related deaths. These were not swim related incidents, either, but boaters falling in and dying of cold. We have a lot of deep, clear snow fed impoundments, that are always deadly cold. A PFD will not save you from the cold. When I used to paddle in the ocean a lot, I wore a wetsuit under my anorak, usually, in case I fell out and had to swim (absolute worst case, as I had a few pretty good roll in the 90s!) Then again, I paddled a lot in NorCal, and the water there is COLD yall! Sometimes being in the water was warmer than being in the air. Yes, Virginia, you roll over to warm up. Also, I am an open water swimmer, and I regularly swim 2-3 miles at a time, and I would NEVER rely on my swimming to save me. Swimming from a boat should always be the last option. I like that you always harp on safety and preparedness, Kudzu Jeff. These are skills as important to practice as any related to building boats. Quote
Hirilonde Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 A PFD will not save you from the cold. Actually, a PFD will save many from the cold. Most people who die in cold water drown before they suffer hypothermia. I am not advocating that cold should be ignored, but that the panic that accompanies the shock of immersion in cold water often leads to drowning long before hypothermia would kill. Quote
Action Tiger Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 Amended. A PFD alone will not save you from exposure to cold water. Lots of underdressed people are found dead from exposure floating upright in their PFDs. Quote
Kudzu Posted August 5, 2015 Author Posted August 5, 2015 They never learn. http://www.pressherald.com/2015/08/03/canoeing-couple-found-dead-in-waters-off-jonesport-would-have-faced-hypothermia/ Quote
SailorSteve Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 Jeff, I might add a sixth rule. "Keep an eye on the weather." Know what's coming your way. Quote
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