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Troop 947. Safety Afloat and Canoeing Tips. “A canoe is more stable than you think, but not more than you can sink.” - Duncan Lamar, yesterday. Safety Afloat Basics. 9 Points See Safety Afloat presentation. Types of PFDs. Type I - Offshore Lifejacket
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Troop 947 Safety Afloat and Canoeing Tips “A canoe is more stable than you think, but not more than you can sink.” - Duncan Lamar, yesterday
Safety Afloat Basics • 9 Points See Safety Afloat presentation
Types of PFDs • Type I - Offshore Lifejacket • This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water. • Type II - Near Shore Buoyant Vest • This "classic" PFD for calm inland water where there is chance of fast rescue. • Type III - Flotation Aid • These life jackets are generally considered the most comfortable, with styles for different boating activities and sports. • Type IV - Throwable Device • These are designed to be thrown to a person in the water. • Type V - Special Use Device • Hybrid vest
Sizing a PFD • PFDs will be provided by Morgan’s • Make sure you look at the label to see if the weight range is appropriate for you. • Next, try it on, and make sure it is not so loose that it rides up or so tight that it restricts your movement. • The PFD should be comfortable, even if it is a little annoying.
Sizing Your Paddle • Two methods • Sit in a chair like the graphic at right with the t-handle on the seat, you should be looking at the throat of the paddle • Stand and place the blade on the ground. For lake canoeing, the t-handle should reach your nose. For river canoeing, a slightly shorter paddle is preferred (to your chin).
Strokes • For all canoists • Forward stroke • Back stroke • Draw • Forward sweep • Reverse sweep • Stern only • J-stroke
River Hazards - Man Made • Other canoeist • Submerged car parts • Floating debris • Dams or low water bridges
Essential Gear to pack • Rope / bungy cords • First Aid Kit -- community • Bailing device • Food – by patrol • Toilet paper • Bug screen • Sun screen • Hand sanitizer • Knife • Dry bag (or trash bags double layered to keep stuff dry) • Trash bags • Water bottles, jug or Camel Back • Ammo box or other water tight container
Appropriate Clothing • Swim suit • Close toed (leaky) shoes • T-shirt • Light-colored long sleeve shirt (in case of sunburn) • Hat • Sunglasses (cheap with Croakie or string) • Make sure they are things you don’t care if they get lost or mucked up
How to Pack for a Float Trip • All gear should be tied into or otherwise attached to the canoe • The first aid kit should be waterproof and accessible • Your water supply should be out and accessible at all times – drink lots!!! • All other gear should be packed in dry bags and stowed in the middle of the canoe. • The bailing cup or device can be free floating in the bottom of the canoe. • Food should be stored in the coolers for all refrigerated items with a bungy cord to hold the lid down. All dry goods should be packed to protect against crushing and double or triple bagged (unless you really like soggy sandwiches).
Canoeing Etiquette • Only remove your PFD when onshore. • The person in the stern steers / The person in the bow is the motor • Communicate (bow identifies obstacles, stern asks for help and gives direction) • Leave no trace • Everyone is out to have fun • A paddle is not a sword, nor a quarter-staff • Don’t dig the blade into the ground or river bed • Don’t drive your canoe through gravel or rocks… get out if you have to and “portage” • Do not pass the lead canoe or fall behind the caboose • ALWAYS keep your eyes out for inexperienced canoeists who may be in trouble. • Never try to perform a rescue yourselves when adults are present and available.