skimmer wrote: > In > the cold water environment, safe? The boater with or without the pfd > doesn't matter. The swimmer will soon be missing! Where could > John be? Several people, including at least one disabled, have crossed Lake Ontario by swimming without a PFD. It typically takes something like 16-20 hours (52-78km depending on route). Temps down to 11C overnight for a recent crossing. The big difference is preparation. Kayakers who are expecting to dump and are trained probably can do without a PFD while someone who doesn't expect to swim might be in trouble regardless of temperatures. Ditto dressing for cold water. Having gone skinny dipping in 0C water or rolling in snow during sauna or hot tub sessions, I know that you don't immediately die in cold even if you're naked. YMMV. I always wear a PFD. It's easier than finding a place to store it. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Thu Mar 22 2007 - 22:06:17 PDT
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