Dangerous waters

[36deadrise]

Yesterday I had the pleasure of performing the good old annual cold-water survival swim and even with a dry-suit you could feel the cold. My hands were unprotected and after ten minutes they were getting hard to use. Going into my 19th year of Coast Guard service I am well aware of the dangers of cold water immersion and hypothermia, but today was a good wakeup call. It made me think about what I was wearing out on the river when I fish; Layers of heavy clothes and big rubber boots. Most of which I would have to shed to remain afloat in the event I was to go overboard. If that scenario played out it would be difficult to self-rescue especially if I was not wearing the kill switch lanyard, and or the wind was up and drifted the boat faster than I could swim. Even the “ride the outboard “ method of getting back into the boat would difficult after only a short time in 49 deg water. If you can’t get back into the boat you will obviously need outside help. How will you alert others to you situation? VHF radio, flares a whistle? If this were me last week, they would all have been in the boat. My new plan is to take two flares out of the pelican case and put them into a ziplock bag and then into my coat pocket, the whistle on a lanyard will be attached to my belt and inserted into my pants pocket and the VHF clipped to my belt. I usually remove the kill switch lanyard once I come down and get started to fish. I am going to lengthen it by 15’ using some small diameter line that will allow me free movement around the boat but will activate the kill switch as well as tether me to the boat in the event I was to go overboard. If I am unable to get back into the boat at least I will remain near it while I await help. I am sure you all know how much faster a drifting boat will move than person in the water on a breezy day.

I am glad I did the swim today, it made me think.....
Guys it’s December, the water and air temps are dropping (don’t let a warm air days lull you the water temp is what gets you) and we are running out of season....more of us will go out in bumpier weather in search of the elusive Cows and with some luck, planning and teamwork we can all be relatively safe.


 Wear a life jacket at least, a float coat or mustang suit if you can.

 Be extra careful and be prepared when fishing alone.

 Even if you are not alone, trust me without a ladder it’s pretty tough to pull you frozen budzo out of the water.

 Kill switch and tethers could make the difference.

 Stay with your boat, do not try to swim for shore.....If a buoy, light or day beacon is closer to you than your boat (if un tethered) make a run for it (CG crews are trained to check ATON in the search area.

 Tether your safety gear (flares, whistle, VHF) to you, cold hands drop wet stuff.

 Let someone know were you are going and when you are expected back (let them know if your plans change)

 Wear a hat, preferably something like a wool watch cap.

 Watch the other boats in the area; you could make a difference if some other guy goes in the drink

 If you choose to drink, don’t have more than a few.



I hope I didn’t bore, insult or offend anyone.
I hope I made a few of you guys think
I hope we all catch big fish this weekend

John
Sea-Mark 21

[tolmaz]

Some great tips !! Fishing in 75 degree water is one thing. 49 degrees is another. I think most of us know what we should be doing , but do we always do it? I know there are alot of times I haven't. Good reminder...we all need that sometimes

[SEAWOLFF]

That was a great thread and one that should be posted every year around this time. It is a good reminder just how dangerous our hobby and passion can get. I know I needed that pinch to make me stop and think. I'm just glad it was you and not me that had to do the cold-water swim!

[rhahn427]

Funny that you wrote this today ....... just this minutr returned from BPS after buying a sterns float jacket and a pair of Columbia ROL Bibs ........... been thinking about the same thing ......

[Islander 2]

Thanks for the reality check, John. ;)

[Capt.Nick]

I fell out of a canoe years ago just after ice out with some skim ice on the shores..It knocked the wind right out of me.Luckily I was only 20ft.from shore.I came out of that water like a jack in a box,ran in the house & changed clothes.I never want that to happen again.

[rmlewisjr]

Well said, My wife bought me a Sterns float coat and I bought her a Mustang float coat.

[Bob G]

Thanks for the reminder John - glad it was just a practice swim!

[Joe Pajic]

Any person going out to fish alone in a boat this time of the year is a fool, period!

I wanted to go today, but because two of my fishing buddies cancelled, I stayed home.

People DIE every year in the water WEARING PFD's. Mustang suit, float coat, inflatable, all great safety devices. But if you fall out of the boat when you are by yourself your chances of survival are very slim.

Please don't go alone!!!! :(

[ChiefRCD]

Good Post....I use a Mustang Coat and Bibs....you would last long in this water...

Joe, you should have called me......even I don't go out alone this time of year....

Tiny....