07-30-2007, 12:17 PM
I also keep my jacket handy. I used to wear mine all the time but they do get uncomfortable and restrictive after a while.
I never travel without one even if my Tube has 2 chambers + a foam seat + a foam seat back.
Since I tube most often in the Ocean, I must adhere by the USCG rules which require 1 PFD per person aboard a craft. The USCG also writes the rules for setting any type of craft in lakes too. In some cases, everyone on a vessel is required to have the PFD donned at all times. In others, only the children under 16 must wear them and adults must have them within reach.
I worked as a water rescue EMT for 7 years. Water safety is no joke. I have only seen 1 instance of a tuber needing assistance. It was a result of his own personal negligence!
Always check your craft before launching! This guy didn't.
Never over inflate your craft! This guy did!!
It didn't take more than 5 minutes from when he launched to when he started screaming for help. His tube popped as he launched in very warm conditions with an over inflated tube. Not a happy sound to hear on the water.
There are other factors that can help you avoid potentially unsafe trips.
Make sure your PFD is a type lll rated.
If you are not going to wear it, make sure it can be quickly reached.
If you are using chest height waders, wear a wader belt.
Make sure that your fins fit properly. Purchase some fin tethers if in doubt.
If your fins are sold on a shelf and tethers are right next to them of the same brand, I would assume that those fins are crappy to begin with. You are better off to spend the extra Dough to get some fins that fit properly.
Tubing can be a safe sport. The safer you are, the longer you will enjoy tubing. TubeDude has been tubing safely for over 5 decades. I have been enjoying it for just over 3 decades. Safety plays a key factor as to how many years that you can tube.[cool]
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I never travel without one even if my Tube has 2 chambers + a foam seat + a foam seat back.
Since I tube most often in the Ocean, I must adhere by the USCG rules which require 1 PFD per person aboard a craft. The USCG also writes the rules for setting any type of craft in lakes too. In some cases, everyone on a vessel is required to have the PFD donned at all times. In others, only the children under 16 must wear them and adults must have them within reach.
I worked as a water rescue EMT for 7 years. Water safety is no joke. I have only seen 1 instance of a tuber needing assistance. It was a result of his own personal negligence!
Always check your craft before launching! This guy didn't.
Never over inflate your craft! This guy did!!
It didn't take more than 5 minutes from when he launched to when he started screaming for help. His tube popped as he launched in very warm conditions with an over inflated tube. Not a happy sound to hear on the water.
There are other factors that can help you avoid potentially unsafe trips.
Make sure your PFD is a type lll rated.
If you are not going to wear it, make sure it can be quickly reached.
If you are using chest height waders, wear a wader belt.
Make sure that your fins fit properly. Purchase some fin tethers if in doubt.
If your fins are sold on a shelf and tethers are right next to them of the same brand, I would assume that those fins are crappy to begin with. You are better off to spend the extra Dough to get some fins that fit properly.
Tubing can be a safe sport. The safer you are, the longer you will enjoy tubing. TubeDude has been tubing safely for over 5 decades. I have been enjoying it for just over 3 decades. Safety plays a key factor as to how many years that you can tube.[cool]
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