RE: [Paddlewise] Swim Race Floatation

Thanks, Bill. Very insightful.  I had not heard of the Chesapeake incident
so it helped to remind me that not every trip goes as planned or expected.
Also, it never occurred to me to take an extra PFD on support paddles.
Speculating, I believe you are right that throwing a panic'd swimmer a spare
PFD would give them something to focus on and, once they are wearing it,
have a calming effect.

> ----------
> From: 	Bill Leonhardt[SMTP:WJLeonhardt_at_bnl.gov]
> 
> A prime example of this is the aide given by two kayakers during a swim
> race in the Chesapeake Bay last summer.  They came upon an unconscious
> swimmer floating face down (due to a seizure, I believe) and had to take
> immediate action.  Their alertness and quick response literally saved the
> swimmer's life.  
> 
> Therefore, I recommend that swim race support kayakers:
> 
> 1. Always wear a PFD.  If a swimmer is in distress, you may need to lend
> immediate aide and not think to put one on or waste time doing so.  If you
> are dealing with someone in the water, things can happen that would cause
> you to be in the water too.  Wearing a PFD will help you continue to
> provide aide while in the water and make your rescue easier for the rest
> of
> us.
> 
> 2. Always use a spray skirt.  If you are helping a swimmer in the water,
> you may need to lean your boat while doing so.  The last thing you need is
> to be scooping water into your cockpit.
> 
> 3. Insure that your boat has adequate floatation.  If you go for a swim
> while helping a swimmer, it will give you both something to hold on to
> until more help arrives.  It will also help other kayakers to help you get
> back in your boat.
> 
> 4. Carry a spare PFD under a deck bungee.  If a swimmer gets in trouble,
> it
> is much better to toss a PFD to them then to have them grab onto your boat
> possibly causing an upset.
> 
> In essence, what I am preaching here is to have floatation for you, your
> boat and for a swimmer.  I think it makes good sense. 
> 
> Perhaps we've discussed this too much in the past, but there are new
> people
> and, you know......
> 
> 
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