Emergency Personal flotation

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:09:13 GMT

My brother Tom used to train by pulling a navy whaler behind him. He was tethered to the boat I think it would also get you in great shape. Chous is right learn to handle cramps and we know it is better to be on your back but the best rule of thumb is stay close to shore during traing and be fit for the swim. If it is a leg cramp no problem. I once swam a ten mile race with leg, arm and lat cramps it was not nice but I tried to relax and finished the race.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:59:28 GMT

This maybe what you are looking for... www.triaids.com/SwimSafe.htm

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:40:25 GMT

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.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:20:26 GMT

Yeah, I thought about just towing a blow-up doll behind me! Seriously though, I need something for open water training that would only be deployed in an absolute emergency. I have no question about my abilities, but stuff does happen (I can't be the only one who has ever worried about a cramp and 1/4 mile from shore!), and having a back-up would be great. Even swimming with a buddy doesn't really do any good if someone gets into trouble too far from shore.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Rob Copeland — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 12:37:28 GMT

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! What I’ve done in the past is to tether a kickboard, either by an ankle strap or a waist belt. Usually I’ve used a short belted stretch cord. The kick board has a low profile, provides ample flotation and I can also bungee a water bottle or 2 to the kickboard for in swim feedings.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:29:17 GMT

Here is the cheer www.youtube.com/watch Orangedog what are you concerned about. If you are a Hamiltonian you don't need any floatation devices when you swim in Hamilton Bay, you can walk accross it. Or has it been cleaned up? www.youtube.com/watch I love the TI CATS www.ticats.ca/index.php

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:23:45 GMT

PS George, Oskee Wee Wee Oskee Wha Wha Holy Mackinaw Tigers ... Eat'em RAW!! Go Tigercats!

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:13:10 GMT

When I trained for the marathon swims I either had my trainer along in a canoe or kyak. It was expensive as he was paid 10% of my prize money. Or I had a tube of 5/8th inch neoprene tube that I wore.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:07:13 GMT

Here's another idea someone send me: www.oceanducks.com/safety.htm

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:05:49 GMT

These are awesome ideas, keep them coming. I should clarify that I used "cramps" as an example, but the truth of the matter is that my wife will not let go back out alone without a backup plan. Every person she mentions me solo swimming to knows someone, who knew someone, who knew a guy, who has drowned. Not a bad idea really, it seems she doesn't like the idea of raising our kids alone. Ha!

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:08:32 GMT

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rubber-Latex-Inflatable-Bermuda-Shorts-With-Extras_W0QQitemZ320209352271QQcmdZViewItem ....i don't know? might work.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:57:52 GMT

The beauty of open water swimming has a dangerous price. Your skill and acumen are your PFD. Else swim near a lifeguard.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:20:53 GMT

Are you talking about training or in a competitive races. Just wear a wet suit for training.

RE: Emergency Personal flotation

Former Member — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:20:35 GMT

I need one of these devices for the 200 Fly... -