Re: [Paddlewise] Plastic garbage bags

From: Michael Daly <michaeldaly_at_home.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 1999 21:07:05 -0400
TGP33_at_aol.com wrote:

> Has anyone ever used a plastic garbage bag as an emergency floatation device?
> It's already folded, all you have to do is wave it arould until it fills up
> enough, squeeze the opening, keep it in front of you and dog paddle to the
> shore. I tried it on a lake and it worked fine. It's no substitute for a vest
> but it can come in handy.

One of the instructors in our club gave us similar advice this winter -
except he recommends carrying a big, orange, body-bag type
emergency blanket thingy.  Not the light aluminized mylar stuff,
but a heavy orange plastic bag.   He's tested it and didn't have
to wave it around; the wind was enough to inflate it.  I think
Coghlans sells them.  The plus is that it remains as an
emergency shelter/blanket etc.  He carries it in a pocket he's
attached to the back of his PFD, along with matches etc.

Mike


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Received on Wed Aug 25 1999 - 18:10:02 PDT

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