Q on OWS training

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2009-09-12 7:36 AM

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Veteran
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Simsbury, CT
Subject: Q on OWS training
MY question is Do you swim with a buoy or some sort of flotation device attached to you? If so where can I grab one? I am looking to sneak in a few more before the water gets to cold and just want to know what people do for safety. Thanks

2009-09-12 11:12 AM
in reply to: #2402042

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Elite
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PEI, Canada
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
I wear a wetsuit - it makes a great flotation device.  Laughing  I don't ever swim alone though.
2009-09-12 12:14 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training

How strong a swimmer are you?

2009-09-12 12:18 PM
in reply to: #2402234

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Veteran
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Simsbury, CT
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
Just started training, swimming is coming along well and is prob the strongest of the 3. That and biking are close. I was thinking a buoy like the lifeguards have.
2009-09-12 1:14 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Expert
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Salem
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
There is a device called "swim safe" and it has been advertised on BT.  It has small air cartridge built into it so if you get in trouble you just pull the cord and it inflates a flotation device.  You wear it around your waist.  The device is reusable.  I have never used one.  Cost is about $75.00. 

I also would never swim alone, at least in Open Water.  I have seen some people swim alone, but swim close to the shore or have a person watching.  Not sure what that would accomplish if you got into trouble.  I am guessing you could drag a life guard bouy device behind you for extra protection.  Still I would never swim OWS alone.  Did I mention I would never swim alone.
2009-09-12 1:26 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Veteran
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Simsbury, CT
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
So I guess the best device is to never swim alone? is that the general vote? haha sounds good I won't and jsut find some locals and my roomate, and fiancee to drag out swimming with me.

2009-09-12 1:33 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
I have the swim safe device, it fits snug and I do not get any drag from it, i have to swim in the lake with all my swims as there is no local pool, but my hubby watches from the doc.take care
2009-09-12 1:47 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Pro
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Tejas
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
I've seen guys pull one of those swim noodles behind them on a string attached to their race belt. $1.99 and you're in business. Oh, never OWS alone.



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2009-09-12 4:09 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training

Never swim in open water alone.While I've been doing it for 40 years, I do not recommend it to others.  Swimming in OW alone presents some objective dangers that must be assessed. You must develop experience in open water to be able to understand those risks and minimize them as best as you can. For those of us who do swim alone, we don't simply do it for a workout. We do it for the experience. Frankly my first experience with wilderness was one mile off shore swimming by myself. It was exciting and rewarding. On the other hand I never felt completely comfortable hiking in grizzly country when I lived in Denali Alaska.

2009-09-12 4:23 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Expert
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Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training

What would a swimming partner really be able to do for you if you got in trouble?  If you are panicking, you'd be likely to take them down with you if they tried to help.  If you are unconscious, how are they going to be able to hold your lifeless body above water and drag you back to shore unless they have some sort of flotation device?  A person following in a kayak could help, or maybe multiple people and/or a trained lifeguard with a flotation device, but just having a swimming partner doesn't make you much safer in my opinion.  Just something to think about...

Having said that, I don't OWS alone just because I feel better when I have another person there, even if I know it wouldn't make much of a difference if something happened.

 

2009-09-12 4:37 PM
in reply to: #2402456

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Veteran
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Simsbury, CT
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
Froglegs love the name!!!

2009-09-12 5:00 PM
in reply to: #2402042

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Master
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North Alabama
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
I'm guessing you've gotten the hint about NOT SWIMMING ALONE, but if not, I'd highly recommend you not swim alone.

If you must:
- try to swim close to shore (5-8') so that you could stand up if necessary,
- try to get a boat to follow you as a "sag wagon" of sorts, 
- maybe get a small profile life jacket (advertised on BT) to wear.

That's my suggestions, but still I'd recommend not swimming alone.
2009-09-12 5:02 PM
in reply to: #2402480

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Veteran
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Simsbury, CT
Subject: RE: Q on OWS training
YEah, I'm not going to was thinking if I had a buoy with me it may be ok but no. I found someone on here that lives in town and amy be able to hook up with him. Plus my roommate is starting to train too. So I am slowly but surely finding a group.
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