Drowning: a deadly calmness

jerrytug said:
Well done for reposting it matey.
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+1

I'm reminded of something I read, possibly on here. A father was in the water near his daughter, unaware there was anything wrong, when a stranger pushed him aside, grabbed his daughter and heaved her out of the water, saving her life. When he later asked his daughter why she hadn't called for help, she replied, "I'd have loved to, Daddy, but I was too busy drowning."

Sobering food for thought.
 
Also be aware of "Secondary Drowning" - just because someone has been pulled out and seems OK it doesn't always mean they are safe. If there is any chance that they have inhaled water they need to be checked over - it can kill hours later.
 
Well done for Posting John. I meet a lot of UK migrants here who bring their love of sailing to Oz. I am however surprised the number who can not swim. Actually it seems to me that it is not just swimming as in laps up and down a pool but actual falling in the water off your boat experience. I would urge all of my UK sailor friends to practice by simply falling or jumping off their boat. Obviously with help nearby to save you and a way to get back on the boat.
The shock of hitting cold water can in itself be quite debilitating then you need to be able to stay afloat kick off boots etc. It does seem to me that you can minimise the shock by having done it all before. A practice might give you confidence or make you swear to wear lifejacket at all times. Either way a practice might just help you one day in the future. be careful olewill
 
William_H said:
Well done for Posting John. I meet a lot of UK migrants here who bring their love of sailing to Oz. I am however surprised the number who can not swim. Actually it seems to me that it is not just swimming as in laps up and down a pool but actual falling in the water off your boat experience. I would urge all of my UK sailor friends to practice by simply falling or jumping off their boat. Obviously with help nearby to save you and a way to get back on the boat.
The shock of hitting cold water can in itself be quite debilitating then you need to be able to stay afloat kick off boots etc. It does seem to me that you can minimise the shock by having done it all before. A practice might give you confidence or make you swear to wear lifejacket at all times. Either way a practice might just help you one day in the future. be careful olewill
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olewill,

good point as always; this is where an apprenticeship sailing racing dinghies is a big help; a couple of years ago I managed to go overboard from my tender on the mooring, and the boat inverted on top of me - it could have been rather traumatic to a cruiser only sailor but I'm used to being under dinghies and sails.

However, maybe the reason you don't find us keen on swimming is that you've got Great White sharks !
 
Seajet said:
olewill,

good point as always; this is where an apprenticeship sailing racing dinghies is a big help; a couple of years ago I managed to go overboard from my tender on the mooring, and the boat inverted on top of me - it could have been rather traumatic to a cruiser only sailor but I'm used to being under dinghies and sails.

However, maybe the reason you don't find us keen on swimming is that you've got Great White sharks !
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It is in the mail specially for you one package 1 dozen Great White Sharks all over 3 metres long. Instructions on how to feed them are enclosed. Now you will have no excuse about getting in the water. Be kind to them they were my babies olewill
 
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