river users advice

[Boaters]

Reminder to keep safe int the paper today.as much as we don't like them,good lifejacket advice.

Ihttp://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk:80/mobile/news/how_to_stay_safe_on_the_norfolk_broads_advice_issued_after_canoe_capsizes_1_3569261

[Guest]

Just to add an important caveat to that news article,  the BCU and other leading Canoe organisations and retailers strongly advise that buoyancy aids should be used in canoes rather than lifejackets.

 

Lifejackets are designed to force you onto your back, whether consciouse or unconscious, and can greatly hinder "self rescue" where  capszed canoeists can often reboard their craft, rather than floating around helplessly.

 

Buoyancy aids specifically designed for canoeing have buoyancy evenly distributed front and back, enabling the wearer to swim normally and be much more aware of their surroundings.

 

Even more potentially  dangerous is the use of self inflating lifejackets in canoes. They can actually trap the wearer in a capsized canoe.

[LondonRascal]

I doubt I would last 5 minutes in a canoe, but it is sound advice about what sort of buoyancy aid to use if I did that could make a world of difference.  Leart something new there, thanks Strowager.