Re: [Paddlewise] Swimming and pfds...

Now that I'm (finally) learning how to swim(!), I do
find wearing a PFD to be 'slowing.'  But also, I of
course recognize the need for it when and if you need
to rest.  Does anyone have any experience swimming
while towing a PFD?  Its just an odd notion that came
to me reading all these posts.   It would float very
high un-burdened by your body, so could conceivably
scoot along the water's surface while you swim.  It
may be nutty, but it seems a possible compromise
between ditching the PFD altogether or trying to swim
with one on. 
Best, 
Harvey 
--- Michael Orchard <mspadorchard_at_comcast.net> wrote:

> In cold water.. most folks do not die directly from
> hypothermia, they drown. 
> The hypothermia can in short order make swimming
> pretty difficult however, 
> and also makes it diff to pull your self up on the
> rocks, etc.. and having a 
> pfd on makes it easier to stay afloat when your
> swimming and dexterity is 
> less than optimal.
> 
> Assuming that for some reason you do not get back in
> the boat for some 
> reason.... keeping the pfd is truly your best chance
> of survival... under 
> most circumstances.
> 
> Mike
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