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From: skimmer <skimmer_at_enter.net>
subject: [Paddlewise] Winter's conundrum
Date: Thu, 22 Mar 2007 19:49:21 4
A person is paddling his kayak and not wearing a PFD. A person is 
swimming beside him and not wearing a PFD. The one is 
considered unsafe the other not. Is it the kayak that is unsafe or 
the not wearing of the PFD?

Cheers
John Winters
----------------------------

I am not interested in the warm water debate! It is worth noting that 
the dissenters always jump back to the warm water environment. 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?

Cheers,
Chuck Sutherland
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From: Michael Daly <mikedaly_at_magma.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Winter's conundrum
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 01:06:04 -0400
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
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Winter's conundrum
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2007 00:54:05 -0700
Michael Daly wrote:

> 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.

Sheesh!  Now I gotta take my PFD along to the hot tub!!??  [thanks, Mike, 
for a good laugh!]

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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