Please use caution...

Twitchs_Tackle · 12-13-2003, 08:28 AM

Just wanted to throw out a word of caution to those who are hitting the rivers this holiday season.

Please be careful when wading or taking drifts that you've never done before. Contact someone and make sure its within your rowing limits. And when wading in swift water, or water you can't see the bottom of, move slowly and maybe even use a wading stick to avoid drop offs or slippery spots.

A few years back on Dec. 19th I lost a cousin who was tossed from his boat. He had loose fitting chest waders and they filled with water, taking him to the bottom. My aunt and uncle walked the bank for almost 3 weeks before he was finally found quite a ways downstream.

My mother just gave me a new set of breathable waders for Christmas, but she asked if I would not go on the water that day.

I'd rather see everyone's pictures on posts with chromers than read about someone in the paper!

Jennie@ifish · 12-13-2003, 08:36 AM

Thank you!
And don't forget the gift of love. Buy someone a light weight, perfect fitting life jacket that is comfortable for them.

I can't think of a better present in the world. A life jacket that they will actually wear!

I can't tell you how embarrassed I was at first, to wear my life jacket. Crud! I didn't want to look like a sissy! But all of the sudden, I see more people wearing them!

Next time you go down the Wilson, count how many people have a life jacket on. Not many. I hope to see that change.

Jen

tphoneman · 12-13-2003, 08:40 AM

Good advice, just recieved word last week an IBEW friend working the PCC campus went fishing and lost his footing. He went downriver filling his chest waders. He managed to hold onto a snag and his son (big big son) managed to get a hold of him. He suffered a broken arm. Rivers this time of year more then other times require extra caution and respect. I believe he was on the Wilson.

Silver Hilton · 12-13-2003, 08:54 AM

Let's also remember to wear a wading belt.

GOT2FISH · 12-13-2003, 10:47 AM

I have a Sterns inflatable do they realy work or is it just another gadget?

Thumper · 12-13-2003, 02:01 PM

We wear partially (mouth) inflated Stearns or Stormy Seas vests without fail while on the water. Simple.

whatugetemon · 12-13-2003, 02:15 PM

Just today I started wearing my neoprene life vest while on the river. It was quite comfortable, I think I'll coninue the habit. You can get them at Costco in the spring/summer for $35 or $40, and you don't need worry about inflating them.

Jennie@ifish · 12-13-2003, 11:05 PM

It better not be! I wear one!

:smile:

grandsalami · 12-13-2003, 11:20 PM

Got to Fish, The stearns work really well if you are concious (sp)enought to pull the cord. If you slip and fall you may not have the abilty to pull the cord. I personally wear one. everyone wears one in my boat wears one.