Lifejackets / Buoyancy Aids

This list may help you out, or at least on your way of understanding how it works (more or less)

www.crew-safe.co.uk/acatalog/Lifejacket-buoyancy-ratings-CE-Categories.html

There a guy named ARCHIMEDES who does most of the work keeping someone afloat.

Peter.

That's a very good and useful warning John, and it's something that people rarely think of.

Another thing that shouldn't be forgotten with these self inflating jackets is that they need to be tested every year (or 2 years depending on the instructions) as if you need one and it doesn't work, then it's almost as good as a stone, although they often have a possibility to inflate them by blowing them up with a tube that's attached to them.

Only thing is if you fall overboard, hit your head or whatever, you forget that there's that possibility, if you're inconscious you don't think of much at all.

Peter.

We have a pair, 150n with crotch strap. I prefer Noreen to wear it when working around locks, cos of her cataplexy. I wear mine too so she doesn't look odd. They all have to be made to a standard so I just went for a reasonable price.
Thing is though, on most bits of canal, if you fall in, stand up.
One more thing, no interfering while you are "helping" with the crotch strap😂😂😂😂

Hi all. New to the forum, I've been reading your posts with interest. I was a narrowboater in the days when the Thames was managed by something called the 'Thames Conservancy'. 

Anyhow, this is a subject I may have some helpful words on so I thought I'd make my first post.


• You do not need a life-jacket on the canal unless you have absolutely no ability to swim whatsoever, are likely to panic if you fall in, or you are in some way disabled. Self-inflating items are totally superfluous unless you fall into one of those categories.


• As previously stated in a previous post, you can stand up in most places on the canal. However it is worth bearing in mind that locks present the greatest opportunity for getting it badly wrong.


• If wearing a life-jacket has the effect of making you behave carelessly you clearly have no business on a boat of any type. Personally I would be nervous if you left the house.


• Canoeists and dinghy sailors wear what is called a PFD (personal flotation device). They are commonly 50N. They are not a life-jacket but an aid to buoyancy. I have found them to be perfectly adequate when capsized in deep water (I am a dinghy sailor). Just so you know, I am also a fat git at around 16 stone. They do not have a crotch strap.


• What is needed is something which has the least bulk. This will make it more likely you will actually wear it. An item with lots of pockets is a bit pointless since you are discouraged from putting anything in them (adds to the weight). My recommendation would thus be something aimed at the racing fraternity.


• Acceptable and commonly-found brands include Crewsaver (a standard amongst sailors) and Yak. There are plenty of others, just as good. A shop I have used and would recommend is called BigOrangeWatersports. Anything this website sells will be ok.


• Its worth thinking about this stuff since you can be sent to prison for manslaughter if its your boat and it all goes tits. How much is a fare to Georgia anyway?



Peace.

Thanks chaps.

I was attracted to this forum because of the stated absence of moderators! But if I offend I was only pulling your leg. Probably.

Yep, some of it is pretty funny!

Oh no,that sounds like a challenge !🤐