Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member
Former Member
Ok, I've looked all over the net and can't find anything satifactory on PFD's that can be worn while open water swimming for use in emergencies only. What I have in mind is something low drag that can be automatically inflated and worn while swimmimng distance in open water. Just in case of cramps, etc. Please help! Thanks Orangedog
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    i think it is important to know how to deal with cramps while in the water. you're right about the buddy system not being failsafe...and using another person to lean on might jeapordize the safety of both. i don't think that anyone has drowned because of cramping (unless said cramping occurs in the heart)...but rather the panic that follows. i am confident that i could swim a good distance, even if both legs seized up, though it would be neither fast nor graceful. the key for me is to relax and try to massage the affected area as best i can. ps i remember seeing a device that one could inflate much the same way an airline life vest does (with a small cylinder of compressed gas that is released by pulling a string) but i don't think i would want to swim with it. i would rather tow one of those safety sausages behind me.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    i think it is important to know how to deal with cramps while in the water. you're right about the buddy system not being failsafe...and using another person to lean on might jeapordize the safety of both. i don't think that anyone has drowned because of cramping (unless said cramping occurs in the heart)...but rather the panic that follows. i am confident that i could swim a good distance, even if both legs seized up, though it would be neither fast nor graceful. the key for me is to relax and try to massage the affected area as best i can. ps i remember seeing a device that one could inflate much the same way an airline life vest does (with a small cylinder of compressed gas that is released by pulling a string) but i don't think i would want to swim with it. i would rather tow one of those safety sausages behind me.
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