Re: [Paddlewise] kayaker lost off Galveston

From: Julio MacWilliams <juliom_at_cisco.com>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 21:39:21 -0700 (PDT)
> 
> No, not yet.  But it is possible.  I can not swim 5 miles without rest
> or fins.  I can swim 1 mile fairly easily in virtually any condition.  In

Trying to swim to shore is in most cases, the last think a wise mariner
would want to try out. The key is to conserve heat an energy, and
to remain in the same place so that you are easy to trace.

> 
> Now, like you mentioned, had he been unconcious, survival, even
> with PFD, would be unlikely; but I doubt that was the case. Most
> probably, he capsized, was unable to get back on with the wave
> action, lost his grip on the boat, and drowned while trying to chase
> his boat being blown away from him at high speed. 

Which would be the actual cause of the accident: trying to chase a boat
instead of relaxing and waiting for help. Even in cold water, that is
in most cases the only option.
> 
> Question:  What PFD would you recommend then for warm water
> use?
> 
> Richard Walker
> Houston, TX

I would recommend the inflatable collar PFD so popular among sailors,
or even a type II PFD, which is specifically designed to bring the
victim's head out of the water (regardless of whether is 90% or 20%
efective in acomplishing that).

- Julio
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Received on Tue Oct 06 1998 - 21:41:17 PDT

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