any sailors

[toffee]

I recently purchased a dinghy and am looking for life jackets.

There are five of us, three kids and two adults.

I am thinking that although the kids can swim, we should get life jackets as opposed to bouyancy aids.
If we capsize then we cannot help all three kids at once so I think that they should have the full life jackets.

perhaps hub and I bouyancy aids?

we will be going on lakes and rivers. and in some sea areas.

can anyone give some advice on this please?

There are two shops within thirty miles where I can purchase jackets. one shop is useless, cant tell me anything about bouyancy aids/life jackets.... only that they sell x brand and thats it!

other shop bamboozle me!!! prices between 30 and 80 pounds per life jacket.

Im looking for something that will keep kids and us above water on calm lakes and rivers and calm seas... any help gratefully received.

 

[kevplumb]

you want mea west if yer wanna stay afloat or a bouncy aid jacket if you swim

 

[Thermo]

life jacket is the better option. They work on hydrostatic pressure, so supposing thye fall out of the boat, and bang their head, and are unconcious. The life jacket will inflate automatically to keep them alive. Another difference is a life jacket is designed to turn you the right way up and keep your airway open. Make sure it is solas compliant and in date. A bouyancy aid will keep you afloat, either face down or face up. A life jacket costs more but its a very small investment, and get them for all of you not just the kids.

Just because a sea or large lake is calm when you set out doesnt mean it will stay that way, once tides or winds turn. Dont know what part of the country you are in, but if youy are thinking of going to sea, then you can do a sea survival course for a day for the whole family. Great fun and very very informative. Its virtually all practical based in a wave pool and will tell you things that will make your toes curl, but may save your life one day.

Dont take chances for time or cost. if a shop doesnt know what thetre talking about, walk out.

 

[kevplumb]

life jacket is the better option. They work on hydrostatic pressure, so supposing thye fall out of the boat, and bang their head, and are unconcious. The life jacket will inflate automatically to keep them alive.

howay what's a mae west???? big boy

 

[keyplayer]

Take the only sensible decision which is to keep your children on dry land. You and your husband do what you like but the youngsters should decide for themselves whether to expose themselves to such danger when they are old enough to legally disregard your opinion. I'm personally quite terrified of small boats, or at least the sinking thereof whilst I'm aboard.

 

[markie]

How far are you exspecting to row out to sea,

 

[Richardp]

Toffee
my daughter went to school everyday via boat wearing a life jacket, there are lots to choose from so best to research (google) it yourself but the one thing everyone agrees on is to get the kids fitted in store by someone that knows and don't get one that they'll grow into later it must fit now, if your unsure try getting in touch with a local sailing club I bet they would be happy to advice you.

 

[joe-90]

Anyone that sails a dinghy in the seas needs arresting. Currents are common in calm seas, and storms can come from nowhere. I'm sure that the coastguard have better things to do than rescuing you.

Wasn't it you that criticised climbers the other week for being irresponsible?

 

[Thermo]

as long as someone is fully prepared and aware of conditions etc, then there is no problem. the problem comes from people who are not aware of the weather, tides, capability of themslves or their boat, have no experiance/training, aware of the regulations etc.

 

[Richardp]

Toffee
I was a coastguard for 15yrs as was my Dad and his dad before him, we don't mind being called out, better to enjoy the great outdoors than sitting infront of the tv all day, don't fear the sea but respect it.

 

[joe-90]

Toffee
I was a coastguard for 15yrs as was my Dad and his dad before him, we don't mind being called out, better to enjoy the great outdoors than sitting infront of the tv all day, don't fear the sea but respect it.

No coastguard would tell an untrained family to sail out to sea in a dinghy.

It's laughable - if it wasn't so dangerous.

 

[toffee]

joe, re sailing in the sea...

I agree it could be irrisponsible and yes I did once criticise people going up mountains ill equipped and without taking heed of weather conditions etc etc...

however, we are inexperienced and as such have enquired for our holidays, safe stretches of coast, (not going far out at all).

I grew up in a coastal town with the sea, yards from my house. I am aware that the tides and currents can be very strong and that some areas are forbidden for swimming or sailing.
I also have family who are on the life still and have been for years and the fire and other rescue.

I do not treat the sea, or lakes and rivers as play areas either and have great respect for the potential dangers.

Might I add that... inflatable boats are actually very stable and safe craft. (this isnt a blow up arm band boat from a toy shop for a tenner)

It is classed as more stable than some wooden craft.

I am going to ask at bassenthwaite lake sailing club as suggested for lessons etc)


If I was irrisponsible we would set sail at the first sign of a break in the cloud, no lifesaving gear, means of summoning help, telling no one where we were going and when should be back, and without checking currents, other hazards, etc etc.....

 

[Richardp]

Joe your such a girl! the most daring thing you do is dance naked in front of the window on the chance of being spotted by the girl next door.
if you ever do pluck up the courage to go to sea this is the advice we would give you.
have a lovely evening
https://mcanet.mcga.gov.uk/public/c4/seasmart/index.htm
In the meantime its not nice to try to put other people off a healthy outdoor activity, if you have a problem I'm sure we would all here be happy to support you but you have to ask for it first otherwise we would feel that we are interfering.waniker

 

[Thermo]

once again, someone who knows nothing about what they are talking about voices an ill founded opinion. Oh well i suppose we should be used to it by now.

As richard says toffee, enjoy it, you are approaching it in exactly the right way. Teaching your children how to respect the sea, nature and the weather, whilst enjoying a healthy family activity is to be applauded.

 

[Slogger]

taking the kids out to sea is something i done when mine where young and on hindsight i wouldnt do it again

then again there is danger in all water sports you just have to cover most aspects of it

out in me boat i was today too