rescue can strap rubbing skin raw on open wtr swims

I use the Safer Swimmer device from ISHOF and strap the thing around my waist. Could you do the same, strap it around your hips/waist over your jammers/swim trunks? The can should then be floating in your wake, I imagine...

Here's a link to what I use: http://www.ishof.org/safety/ssd.htm

I've seen these before, and while it looks like it would be fine, I would rather have something that I don't have to worry about ever forming a leak. plus, I'm guessing the rope still stays behind you, possibly tangling in your feet ? even if you tie it on your waist, I'm guessing it will do the same ? I guess I can try the waist, but I'm just frustrated because I see most people ,like lifeguards wear it around their neck and shoulder,and that's where I would like to wear mine. I guess lifeguards don't typically do 1.5-3 mile swims either.

Yeah, lifeguards aren't out to swim long distances on a regular basis. Chafing, ow, especially in salt water.

There is a strap that goes behind me but it and the device ride in the wake and the float is somewhere around the back of my knees. The strap is adjustable in length, so I never feel it on my feet. Have used it quite often and have never had a leak.

Is your strap adjustable so it can float by the back of your knees? A rescue can is designed for it to hold a person being rescued so yeah, I imagine it's long and gets tangled in your feet without someone hanging on and creating tension. If it's not adjustable, an easy fix is to tie it off shorter.

Edited by GreenMtnLabbit 2013-07-28 5:09 PM

Make a neoprene sleeve for it?

Have you tried a surfer's rash guard? They are made to protect your stomach from the wax and sand on top of a surf board. One should be able to handle a strap.

Edited by Lurch 2013-07-28 7:55 PM

that's the name of the foam stuff I described in my original posting. I bought a few neoprene rifle slings, and cut them to size, but it doesn't seem to help.I guess I have to let the chafed skin heal up before trying to use it again.I'm figuring that SOME manufacturer out there SOMEWHERE makes a rescue can with a Neoprene strap already that I can just purchase ,so I don't have to Jimmy-rig this one !

no, I 've never heard of such a thing. can you post a link of where I can learn more about buying one ?

X2 on the SaferSwimmer.

The straps don't chafe, even without a wetsuit. It floats just above my thighs, so I never feel it. SWMBO likes it, because she can spot me from the beach for the entire swim.

Highly recommended.

I know lots of people who use the ISHOF swim safe device and none of them complain of it tangling in their feet. If you really want to use the rescue can, rig it up like the ISHOF device to attach around your waist so it drags behind you. No one does distance swimming with one of these things over their shoulder. You shouldn't either. That is not its intended purpose and I suspect you will never get it to not chafe you if used this way. You answered your own question. Lifeguards may wear it around their neck/shoulder but they are never going to do an endurance swim with it this way. They would probably look at you like you have two heads if you suggested it.

Sorry. Hope that wasn't too harsh.

I have the Safer Swimmer buoy sold/made by Kiefer. I've never had an issue with it getting tangled in my feet/legs. In fact, once I start swimming, I never even know it's there. Plus, it's a nice place to keep your car keys. I put my Garmin 410 inside, too, since it's not waterproof. A ton of people in my tri club use them with nary a problem.

I swim in a small lake and have been swimming with my 7 year old son in a small inflatable raft.  He also wears a life jacket.  That way I get my workout in without having to get a babysitter.  I just have it tied to my ankle with light rope about 15 feet long.  It is easier to have him a little ways back.  I do not kick a lot so the rope does not bother me at all and he produces very little drag.

Though the other night I was sprinting the last 100 yards to shore and my wife who was also swimming decided to grab onto the raft.  It just about tore my leg out of the socket.  Picture the junkyard dog running and getting swapped back when he reaches the end of his chain.

Here is a picture of a raft similar to what we are using.  It's actually pretty fun towing him around.  I feel a little like Jack Lalane.

 

Edited by popsracer 2013-07-30 4:31 PM






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