Life Jackets

[SnoC653]

From launching the boat to trailering the boat, I have a jacket on. Beached at the sandbar, I usually take it off. But I'm a none swimmer (while I can probably swim enough to save my life, that is one bet I don't want to come up short on).

I can understand on big boats the risk of falling or being sent overboard is minimal at slow speeds, but if something happens and the boat starts taking on water, do you want to stop and put your jacket on first or get busy fixing the problem if its fixable?

[Sharp shooter]

From launching the boat to trailering the boat, I have a jacket on. Beached at the sandbar, I usually take it off. But I'm a none swimmer (while I can probably swim enough to save my life, that is one bet I don't want to come up short on).

I can understand on big boats the risk of falling or being sent overboard is minimal at slow speeds, but if something happens and the boat starts taking on water, do you want to stop and put your jacket on first or get busy fixing the problem if its fixable?

You really should consider upping your swimming skills. Not only will you be safer, but you're missing out on a lot of fun.

[SnoC653]

You really should consider upping your swimming skills. Not only will you be safer, but you're missing out on a lot of fun.

I failed swim class 3 times in the military, something about bone density and no natural buoyancy. I couldn't tread water and when I did a dead man's float my back was 6 or more inches below the surface. The guy working with me agreed that it was not going to happen. I could swim the length of the pool underwater no problem. I just couldn't stay on top of the water and breath.

Since then I've added some natural buoyancy (got old and fat) but don't want to start all over. I wear a vest and have as much fun in the water as anyone. And I'm on the water as much as I can be.