Posted by Laurence Monkhouse on October 25, 2003 at 10:24:25 from 217.137.106.28 user Laurence_.
In Reply to: Re: Broads Tragedies; was Re: Dangers to children posted by Jonathan Labaree on October 24, 2003 at 14:38:28:
I agree with a lot of this and do in fact have the new slimline lifejackets for use on appropriate occasions. Andrew's rules which he posted a little while ago make a great deal of sense, although I confess to falling short of them.
However I still think that the dangers of sailing and the need for lifejackets at all times are grossly exaggerated. Crossing the road is far more dangerous, yet you see people wrapped up in lifejackets while sitting in the cockpit of big sailing cruisers, surrounded by safety lines, in the river, in a flat calm. If the old gentleman with the scythe wants them that much he'll have them anyway.
The latest thing which seems to be catching on is safety helmets for dinghy sailing! We are supposed (I believe) to be doing this for fun, forsooth.
However those who are not strong swimmers certainly must use a lifejacket or lifeline.