Safety
- Thread starter flybill
- Start date
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I like the safety reminder. I've (jokingly) called myself a "Safety Sally" for decades. I like the idea of putting some retro reflective tape on PDFs. Also a whistle.. and a couple of glow sticks. A water proof handheld VHF for about $100 might also be worth considering. My iPhone can text with a satellite when it is without signal, but it is not waterproof. Contacting the "first responders" is often paramount.
Just a friendly reminder and I'll consider an satellite GPS or phone when I do somewhere really remote and trip insurance! I had a conversation years ago when I bought a different life jacket and misplaced it! He would kayak around Vancouver Island and said he didn't bother to bring a cellphone as they wouldn't work.. just maps and a satellite phone or satellite beacon. People have become used to being able to connect with a cellphone, but if you don't have coverage or the battery is dead it really doesn't help! A small mirror and compass aren't a bad idea as well!
Just something to think about!
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I like the idea of having a compass. If you are in a small watercraft, without electronics, this could be important. My cellphone has a compass..the one time I needed it ..I was out of service.
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I am no expert (by any means) but I believe that the iPhone16 has the ability to use satellites to send text messages when you are outside cell phone tower coverage. I have used this feature with mixed results.
It's more about that you might think it will work. A compass and knowing how to use it will or a satellite beacon or satellite phone. If you're really in a remote location you may have to save yourself, so basic first aid, cpr and knowing how to survive is key!
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I bought one of those PDFs because of all the good reviews. But I must admit that I have not taken it out for a "test drive". I firmly believe that a person wearing a PFD should practice actually using that PFD. IMHO you should put the damn thing on and jump off the dock, or wade out into the lake or a pool. These things can feel very awkward in the water at first,,,,but after a few minutes in the pool with one of them you will get the hang of it. Much better to do that at a pool party than the river.
Does wearing it in the tub count? Asking for @troutstalker ...
A few of you might need to consider a helmet, when on the water or when the short bus picks you up.. me too when my buddy picks me up on Sunday! Here ya go! Also pictured is my new whitewater boat! NOT!
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I have witnessed hot tubs being utilized for testing PFDs...this practice could probably save thousands of lives per year.
I have two, one in Ohio and one in WA. Anymore they're extremely comfortable and fully functional...we've run out of excuses. Bunch of them on sale at NRS:
Kayak & Paddling Life Jackets
The best life jacket is the one you will wear all day. From low profile to high float, front zip to side entry, we offer a variety of PFD styles to fit every body and any adventure.
www.nrs.com
I got mine on sale, don't recall the price, but a required piece of equipment if you want to stay safe out there, either floating alone or with others. Being that I'm a BIG guy, I can't always assume that there will be a jacket big enough to fit me and be comfortable! It does help that I've lost 50+ pounds in the past 6 months or so, dropped two pants sizes, from a 42 to almost a 38! Ozempic and stress will do that and I don't recommend either, especially the later but it's worked for me and more to go!I have two, one in Ohio and one in WA. Anymore they're extremely comfortable and fully functional...we've run out of excuses. Bunch of them on sale at NRS:
Kayak & Paddling Life Jackets
The best life jacket is the one you will wear all day. From low profile to high float, front zip to side entry, we offer a variety of PFD styles to fit every body and any adventure.
One other thing, and I'm sure there are others.. I carry a Jet Boil, some tea and a few cup of noodles or something quick to make and warm up! Extra batteries of course, and a change of clothes and some form of fire starter.. just in case! Most of it goes in a dry bag and just would stay in the boat!
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
I like the comment about "some sort of fire starter." I went down that rabbit hole a couple of years ago.
In the dry South West a Bic lighter is often adequate, but up here in the Cascades... definitely not adequate. Soo I bought a quality (big) ferro rod and a big bag of shaved magnesium (on line). Also gathered some good (fat wood). This will instantly start a fire in extremely wet conditions. A large knife or hatchet can allow me to cut off the outer wet wood to "process" it into dry fire wood. Tons of YouTube videos on this. I can dunk my "kit" in the river and easily start a fire in heavy winds, rain and melting snow on the ground. Some of those "cheesy" little fire starters from REI just make me shake my head. Literally hundreds of lives are lost every year, that could have been saved, if that "lost or stranded" outdoorsman could have just started a fire to get him through the night.
In the dry South West a Bic lighter is often adequate, but up here in the Cascades... definitely not adequate. Soo I bought a quality (big) ferro rod and a big bag of shaved magnesium (on line). Also gathered some good (fat wood). This will instantly start a fire in extremely wet conditions. A large knife or hatchet can allow me to cut off the outer wet wood to "process" it into dry fire wood. Tons of YouTube videos on this. I can dunk my "kit" in the river and easily start a fire in heavy winds, rain and melting snow on the ground. Some of those "cheesy" little fire starters from REI just make me shake my head. Literally hundreds of lives are lost every year, that could have been saved, if that "lost or stranded" outdoorsman could have just started a fire to get him through the night.
Yes Jim, I usually have a cigar lighter or two, but things fail. A bag of Cheeto's can actually be used, or cotton balls with petroleum jelly, but your solution is really good! And I have a friend who was out on a hike on the trail around Mt Rainer years ago, he got turned around, and it got dark. He didn't panic, made a fire and smoked cigars throughout the night, stayed warm and dry! When the sun came up, he figured out where he was and hiked himself out! Just a little preparation will go a long way!
J Watrous
Legend
Since it’s a safety topic, I see a lot of folks talk/mention here or there the iPhone satellite communication ability. Has anyone gotten it to work reliably? I’ve tried it on my iPhones (15 and 16 pro max) a dozen or so times and only gotten it to work about half the time and only then after messing with it for about 5 minutes per attempt. Not something I would want to rely on in an emergency, but maybe it’s just my bad luck?
For my peace of mind I picked up a Garmin InReach Mini 2. Works every time and in under a minute. Now I can contact authorities, my kids can track me, and we can text back and forth if need be.
I spent a little time getting my life jacket adjusted and have to say it was so comfortable that I just left it on all day! Even when we stopped to get out and fish! I highly recommend this style of jacket! Easy to row or paddle with it on and added an extra layer of warmth! 5 out of 5 stars!!
I used my iPhone compass once in deep fog to stay on course to the shore. It didn’t require service…
I got to a spot on Friday, water was high, river has changed, and I was alone. Bail. Went to an easy spot. No fish, but I'm still here.