Can you swim 2024
DINK WHISPERER reply :
So, can you? I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately as I've been venturing away from my shallow lakes into off shore bass fishing. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not the greatest swimmer at all. I always wear my PFD with kill switch and am extra cautious on the water. Even considered taking some classes with my kids in the summer but am a bit embarrassed to do so. Your thoughts on the whole subject?
Raul reply :
Like a fish.
WRB reply :
Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes, you don't fall overboard in a swim suit.
Tom
Preytorien reply :
I can swim excellent. Scuba diver and triathlete, but I don’t take chances and wear my Mustang 100% of the time.
Oddly enough a guy I fish with can’t swim a lick and won’t ever wear a PFD. Can’t wrap my head around that one and I’ve tried convincing him but it seems he won’t listen, but I’ll keep pestering him, might save his life one day
stk44 reply :
It never hurts to learn to swim. I qualified class 1 and Q in the Marine Corps. That’s about 10 guys left in the pool out of a company of Marines. We were trained on various strokes for efficiency which definitely does not include freestyle or the butterfly swim. I would suggest you learn the same (breaststroke, sidestroke, backstroke, and how to tread water and float on your back.) you should hold each glide at the end of the stroke as long as possible. Learn the basics first then train on your own. The most important thing is wearing your pfd- the best swimmer cannnot swim while he is unconscious.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 1:39 AM, Preytorien said:I can swim excellent. Scuba diver and triathlete, but I don’t take chances and wear my Mustang 100% of the time.
Oddly enough a guy I fish with can’t swim a lick and won’t ever wear a PFD. Can’t wrap my head around that one and I’ve tried convincing him but it seems he won’t listen, but I’ll keep pestering him, might save his life one day
These guys confuse the hell out of me. I'm a decent swimmer, and I've gone overboard once or twice and have fallen wading. I'd have been absolutely terrified if I didn't know how to swim.@WRB is spot on regarding clothes. Clothes, shoes/wading boots, waders, cold water, current, or a head injury can make things very tricky very quickly.
Sam reply :
Yep, try to swim half hour a day for three or four days a week.
I go to a recovery pool that is 96* and it is heaven.
They will drop the temperature down to 92* as summer approaches.
You need a doctor's prescription to go there and I have one due to my knee replacement.
And I only take people on my boat who can swim. No swim - no boat ride.
P.S. When growing up in south Louisiana I swam in the Mississippi Sound, Gulf and Lake Pontchartrain with no problem. However, now I don't swim in any body of water where they can see me but I can't see them!!!
Jar11591 reply :
Yes, swimming lessons as a young kid and having a backyard with a pool made me a strong swimmer. I'll never willingly go swimming in anything that isn't a pool, but I know if I ever tipped my boat or fell in, I'd be able to stay afloat.
Getting ejected from a boat traveling at a high speed is a whole different thing.
2tall79 reply :
Like a dog.
MassYak85 reply :
I won't be winning any competitions any time soon but I feel very comfortable in the water.
Junger reply :
It was part of our elementary school program in the fourth grade, but I learned early on by joining our local pool with other local kids.
But my mom almost drowned while on vacation when she was about 40, she was also not a good swimmer in her adult life. She went to the YMCA and took classes and now she's in great shape in her 70's.
Go for it man, learn to swim, no embarrassment at all and you'll get in good shape.
Dtrombly reply :
Take the classes. There's no shame in improving a very important skill that could be the difference between life and death one day.
RPreeb reply :
I grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin... every time you make a wrong turn you fall in a lake. Swimming is a survival skill. My stepfather is the only native Minnesotan I ever new who wasn't at least a decent swimmer - he could dog paddle around, but was not what I'd call a swimmer. I was in the lake with my mother when I was 6 months old, and every summer until I was 17 years old and we moved to Montana. I was never taught to swim - from my earliest memories, I just knew how to handle myself in water. Us kids swam in Balsam Lake from several different docks, almost never with adult supervision, and never thought anything of it.
On 1/7/2018 at 1:31 AM, WRB said:Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes, you don't fall overboard in a swim suit.
Tom
Done that intentionally. On the canoe trips I did as an Explorer scout on the Canadian border, I don't remember ever seeing any life preservers. We paddled as far as 140 miles on my two 8 day trips, but they conducted a safety refresher before each trip. That included paddling a canoe out a couple hundred feet from shore while fully dressed, then swamping it, getting back in and paddling it back to shore while it was full of water. For me it was old hat, because I'd been doing that with our canoe just for fun ever since I was old enough to hold a paddle. I've never tipped a canoe over by accident, despite my hundreds of hours spent in one, but I have no concerns about what to do if it should happen.
I know that in my canoe, I simply have to stay with the boat and I'm good... it won't sink.
tander reply :
As a teenager of the 60's, all there was to do in my small town during the summer was to swim, fish, and play baseball, come to think of it, what more could I ask for. I agree, swimming with your clothes on is a lot different than swimming with swim trunks. O yea, getting embarrassed is a lot better than dying. 
NYWayfarer reply :
I can swim. Pretty much taught myself before I ever took a class. As I kid I had no fear of the water. Now I have a healthy respect.
WRB reply :
If you are the boats captian/helmsman driving the boat you are responsible for everyone's safety in the boat.
My late father in law couldn't swim and flew float planes, getting out onto the pontoon float while the plane coasted towards shore or a dock, and didn't wear a PFD. When riding in my bass boat I handed him my suspenders type and put it on saying he wished they had these years ago. Some people don't like to wear the bulky type PFD's.
My fishing partner Ron couldn't swim and owned a bass boat but was uncomfortable not wearing his PFD. You must wear a PFD when tournament bass fishing and I wonder if the guy missing at Okeechobee FLW event was wearing his?
Tom
scaleface reply :
Yeah , I can swim and it came in handy a couple of times .
BigAngus752 reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 1:47 AM, stk44 said:It never hurts to learn to swim. I qualified class 1 and Q in the Marine Corps. That’s about 10 guys left in the pool out of a company of Marines. We were trained on various strokes for efficiency which definitely does not include freestyle or the butterfly swim. I would suggest you learn the same (breaststroke, sidestroke, backstroke, and how to tread water and float on your back.) you should hold each glide at the end of the stroke as long as possible. Learn the basics first then train on your own. The most important thing is wearing your pfd- the best swimmer cannnot swim while he is unconscious.
On 1/7/2018 at 1:31 AM, WRB said:Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes, you don't fall overboard in a swim suit.
Tom
These guys are spot on. Let me say this. I teach combat marksmanship. There is a place in that training for standing in a row at a firing line on a sunny day slowly punching holes in cardboard...but not much of a place for that. Soldiers and police officers need to practice in the worst possible, and most realistic, conditions. You must think of your personal safety in all circumstances in such a manner. You are a good swimmer? That could be helpful. How long can you tread water, though? Minutes? Hours? You can stay calm, think clearly, and enact a plan that you formulated months or years ago after your boat ejects you, fully clothed, into cold, dirty water where you broke a couple bones upon landing? If you can do that you have a better chance of surviving, even if you can't swim, than an Olympic swimmer who freaks out and doesn't have a plan.
Gundog reply :
I sink like a stone. Being the last of six kids I think my parents thought one of my brothers or sisters would teach me. But I've never had a fear of going out in a boat. Matter of fact, I've always loved it. It bewilders my family that I love being on a boat but can't swim. Also I admit to not wearing my PFD but that is because the only one I have is the Styrofoam horse collar type. Mandatory for regulations but impossible to fish while wearing.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 2:31 AM, BigAngus752 said:
These guys are spot on. Let me say this. I teach combat marksmanship. There is a place in that training for standing in a row at a firing line on a sunny day slowly punching holes in cardboard...but not much of a place for that. Soldiers and police officers need to practice in the worst possible, and most realistic, conditions. You must think of your personal safety in all circumstances in such a manner. You are a good swimmer? That could be helpful. How long can you tread water, though? Minutes? Hours? You can stay calm, think clearly, and enact a plan that you formulated months or years ago after your boat ejects you, fully clothed, into cold, dirty water where you broke a couple bones upon landing? If you can do that you have a better chance of surviving, even if you can't swim, than an Olympic swimmer who freaks out and doesn't have a plan.
Well said.
Wear Crocs and socks and learn the jellyfish float.
Way north bass guy reply :
I’m a pretty good swimmer, have been since I was a kid. I was a typical bass guy, life jacket on while running in tournaments, off while casting, almost never on when not in a tournament. Never had any close calls or anything but then I had a kid. Once he was a couple years old, he was in the boat with us all the time and obviously he always has worn a life jacket. When he was about 4, I got the “ why do I wear a life jacket but not you dad”? It really made me think, if something ever happened, he’d be in a bad situation if he was floating around and his dad was at the bottom of the lake ( thinking the worse possibility here). I went right out and bought my first inflatable pfd, and I wear it constantly, with or without him in the boat now. Once you’ve worn them a time or two, you don’t even notice it on. I don’t know how anyone with kids onboard, good swimmer or not would go out without wearing one. And if you can’t swim, you need to seriously think about why your not using one.
68camaro reply :
I can but take appropriate precautions. Also, when wade fishing I only use waist waders as I think they they help me from making bad decision in deeper water.
ww2farmer reply :
Not real well...................But I float good.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 1:19 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:So, can you? I've been thinking a lot about this topic lately as I've been venturing away from my shallow lakes into off shore bass fishing. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not the greatest swimmer at all. I always wear my PFD with kill switch and am extra cautious on the water. Even considered taking some classes with my kids in the summer but am a bit embarrassed to do so. Your thoughts on the whole subject?
Going over the side is always a life threatening event; especially when the air & or water temps start to drop.
During the warmer months, most of us sort of laugh when we or a someone else goes in, but in the cold, it's no joke.
Having the ability to get back to your boat and then board it unassisted is crucial.
If you strike an underwater object while on plane and your boat sudden slows or worse - stops, without any type of restraint, you are first going to strike whatever is in front of you (at the speed the boat was initially traveling) Then you may or may not go overboard. There's a decent chance you'll have some type of injury as a result of that impact either way. If you do go in, your life jacket may be the only thing keeping you from slipping below the surface - hopefully help can come to recover you. Your ability to 'swim' in these scenarios isn't as important as having that life jacket on.
Going in the drink while fishing (not on plane) can be bad if you can't swim a lick; especially without a life jacket on.
Having a boarding ladder (or knowing how to use your motor's trim) to get back on board is very beneficial too.
If you've never tried to do any of this, though I hope you never really do for real) I'd encourage you to try it in a warm 'controlled' environment with at least one capable adult present. You may find that pulling your soaking wet full clothed body up out of the water and onto the deck of a bass boat is challenging; even when not hypothermic and or physically injured.
Bottom line, IMO learning to swim is a solid plan, at least a little.
Simulating the event and ensuring you're able to save yourself in the event the unthinkable happens, can't hurt either.
Sometimes there's nothing we can to - Bad stuff happens to good people all the time. However, many a 'strong swimmer' has tragically met their demise by not being prepare otherwise for an accident.
Stay Safe
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
I'm not really sure. I used to be able to swim. I haven't been in the water since I tore apart my shoulder. If I had to guess, I could probably stay afloat. No one is allowed in my boat that can't swim. Captains rules.
@WRB brings up a good point about swimming with your clothes on. It's why I fish naked most of the time.
Seriously though, I do worry sometimes when fishing in the single digits and teens. I wear boots and Carhart bibs. I don't envision me surviving falling out of the boat with all that added weight. Clam makes a floatation parka and bibs for ice fishing that runs about $600 for both pieces. I've thought about getting them, just never pulled the trigger.
Catt reply :
100% Cajun & a bit of a survivalist ????
Been in boats that sunk, capsized, flipped, run into a Ferry Boat, been 135 miles offshore in the Gulf with no steering, & rode out server thunderstorms.
Swim? Why certainly!
Wear PFD? Always!
12poundbass reply :
This summer was a big wake up call for me when launching my boat and the rope snapped. There went the boat. I was a great swimmer as a kid and hadn't swam since I was 20 or so.
Fast forward almost 15 years and my 7 year old and I are the only one's on this secluded lake with no houses and I had no choice but to go after my boat. I stripped down to my underwear so clothes were no issue. But factor in added weight over the years, totally out of shape, like @slonezp a destroyed shoulder from hockey, and the fact I hadn't swam in almost 15 years I'll be the first to admit I wouldn't make it too long with clothes and no PFD. Quite honestly if it weren't for my ability to float on my back (which I wasn't sure I could still do) and rest I might not had made it to my boat and probably would've drowned right there in front of my son.
My point is just because you could and did as a kid doesn't mean you still can. Like @A-Jay said try it out in a controlled environment with somebody else. Swimming isn't like riding a bike!
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Man you guys make some really great points that I had not considered yet. A big part of why I started getting even more serious about this is the fact that my 8 year old son started fishing with me last year. He is really upset about the Okeechobee FLW situation right now and is asking a lot of questions and what ifs. I have already taught him to drive the boat at idle conditions and to use the Lowrance units to guide himself to safety if something were to happen to me. When on shallow lakes he knows if I fall in to put the power poles down right away so the boat doesn't leave me behind too bad. It terrifies me to think that something could ever happen to him under my watch. In a controlled environment like a swimming pool with trunks on and no shoes I do okay. However, a few years back I fell off of a jet ski and was drowning in 5 feet of water because I was panicking. I guess all one can do is take as many precautions as you can and hope for the best.
BrackishBassin reply :
Yes, quite well. Regularly completed the mile swim in Boy Scouts and spent lots of time swimming in the ocean and larger lakes growing up.
Swimming really should be a part of the elementary school curriculum everywhere. It’s a safety issue. Not everyone needs to be an Olympic swimmer, but everyone needs to be able to at least float on their back comfortably.
I say, take the classes. If someone wants to laugh at you for learning something that could save your life, they’re probably not worth the oxygen they’re using on a daily basis.
Bankbeater reply :
I go swimming every chance I get. I have had to swim when the boat launched without me, and to retrieve a rod.
Crankin4Bass reply :
Yes and I wear a pfd at all times. Please go ahead and take swimming lessons and wear your pfd. I have a family friend who did not wear a pfd and couldn't swim. He fell out of a canoe last summer on a small pond and drowned in 8 feet of water. He got trapped in milfoil. The divers had a tough time finding his body. Such a shame. He was only 65 and had just retired and loved fishing everyday.
RPreeb reply :
A bit more to add to this. I used to be a whitewater kayaker - paddled some pretty hairy rapids - and I wouldn't be caught out on the river with my PFD. I unintentionally swam through rapids which I would never have voluntarily jumped into. I'm also a scuba diver, divemaster rated, and I wouldn't do that without my BCD (buoyancy control device), but it is a bit different when you carry your air supply with you.
When I go out in my new canoe, I will definitely have a PFD with me, and it will be worn if conditions warrant. Otherwise it will be stowed in a spot on the canoe which is accessible from the water. I have no qualms about taking off my shoes and pants in the water if necessary, and I know how to put the PFD on when in the water. Since a canoe is not typically going to be involved in a high speed accident, the risk of physical injury is less than in a powerboat.
jbmaine reply :
swimming just about since I could walk, but still wear a PFD.
NHBull reply :
Swimming and water survival are 2 separate things and if you can't do both with clothes and shoes on, you should have a PFD. Having witnessed a few accidents, I tie a piece of 1 inch nylon webbing 12 inches long to the bow and Stern. Just enough to throw an arm through to catch a breath. Adding a strap to the bottom rung of a ladder also helps.....don't ask how I know this
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I've heard/read many discussions on adding some kind of seatbelt restraint/harness system to your boat. Since supposedly most of the damage is done while being ejected and hitting things on the way out. Then the actual being in the water possibly stranded part. First thing that comes to mind is capsizing and being buckled into the cockpit. But, then again, I've never seen a bass boat really capsize. Thoughts on this?
DogBone_384 reply :
I swim a mile (+ -) three times a week to keep in shape.
Gundog reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 3:23 AM, slonezp said:It's why I fish naked most of the time.
Don't blame me...slonezp brought it up. 
NYWayfarer reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 5:31 AM, RPreeb said:When I go out in my new canoe, I will definitely have a PFD with me, and it will be worn if conditions warrant. Otherwise it will be stowed in a spot on the canoe which is accessible from the water. I have no qualms about taking off my shoes and pants in the water if necessary, and I know how to put the PFD on when in the water. Since a canoe is not typically going to be involved in a high speed accident, the risk of physical injury is less than in a powerboat.
Call me paranoid if you want but what if a high speed boat hits you? Just wear the PFD all the time as you never know what life is going to throw at you. My son and I canoe on a river that sees a lot of jet ski and water ski activity. Best be sure we have our PFD’s on as these boaters are often looking backwards at their skiers and not at what they could run into.
Even if you are in a small lake with no speedy traffic you could pass out from low blood sugar, sunstroke, etc and fall into the water. The PFD saves you from being a tragic accident. Just wear the d**n thing!
haggard reply :
Haven't tried it in years but I bet I could. But I still wear a PFD every outing. As a kid grew I up on the water, swimming all the time. First step to learning it was realizing that if you lay on your back and relax, and gently work the arms and legs, you won't sink.
Now I wear PFD without question, every time, yak or powered boat. I'm not a kid anymore, and regardless, when things go wrong they can go wrong fast. Like seat belts, helmets, fire extinguishers, etc. a PFD is cheap insurance. The older I get the more respect (or fear) I have for the power of the water.
On 1/7/2018 at 6:59 AM, Gundog said:
Don't blame me...slonezp brought it up.
That is NOT a personal flotation device.
WRB reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 8:19 AM, haggard said:Haven't tried it in years but I bet I could. But I still wear a PFD every outing. As a kid grew I up on the water, swimming all the time. First step to learning it was realizing that if you lay on your back and relax, and gently work the arms and legs, you won't sink.
Now I wear PFD without question, every time, yak or powered boat. I'm not a kid anymore, and regardless, when things go wrong they can go wrong fast. Like seat belts, helmets, fire extinguishers, etc. a PFD is cheap insurance. The older I get the more respect (or fear) I have for the power of the water.
That is NOT a personal flotation device.
It's a Cajun.
Sam reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 2:21 AM, WRB said:If you are the boats captian/helmsman driving the boat you are responsible for everyone's safety in the boat.
My late father in law couldn't swim and flew float planes, getting out onto the pontoon float while the plane coasted towards shore or a dock, and didn't wear a PFD. When riding in my bass boat I handed him my suspenders type and put it on saying he wished they had these years ago. Some people don't like to wear the bulky type PFD's.
My fishing partner Ron couldn't swim and owned a bass boat but was uncomfortable not wearing his PFD. You must wear a PFD when tournament bass fishing and I wonder if the guy missing at Okeechobee FLW event was wearing his?
Tom
Yes, in tournaments you have to have your PFD on when the big motor is operational unless the trolling motor is down and the boat is moving slow, although the big motor is powering the watercraft.
You can remove your PFD in a tournament once you turn off the big motor.
RPreeb reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 8:14 AM, NYWayfarer said:Call me paranoid if you want but what if a high speed boat hits you? Just wear the PFD all the time as you never know what life is going to throw at you. My son and I canoe on a river that sees a lot of jet ski and water ski activity. Best be sure we have our PFD’s on as these boaters are often looking backwards at their skiers and not at what they could run into.
Even if you are in a small lake with no speedy traffic you could pass out from low blood sugar, sunstroke, etc and fall into the water. The PFD saves you from being a tragic accident. Just wear the d**n thing!
As I said, I'll wear one when the situation warrants it. I spend a lot of time near shore just prowling the shallows. I won't probably be on any very large lakes unless I'm a long ways from home - aside from Lake McConaughy, about 1½ hours away, the lakes around here are smallish reservoirs, and most of my fishing and exploring will be around the edges of them. If I get into a situation like you describe, I'll be wearing my PFD, but I won't be locked into it. My choice.
Quarry Man reply :
Several close calls while swimming have made me terrified of being in the water. I also sink like a rock (5% body fat will do that), but I am in extremely good shape and could likely tread water for an hour if need be. I always avoid swimming, but always stay near shore and if not i wear my life vest. I don't go out in the boat when hypothermia is a possibility and if i am way offshore, i wear a pfd. Also, my home lake is like 4' deep so i can just stand lol.
All it takes is one close call and you'll wear your pfd/be more careful...
MickD reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 3:21 AM, A-Jay said:Having a boarding ladder (or knowing how to use your motor's trim) to get back on board is very beneficial too.
Very good point. After dumping my brother over one time, and trying to bring him back into the boat by his standing on the horizontal fin on the lower unit, we found it very difficult since his shoe was slipping on the fin. I added some of that yellow "sandpaper" tape to the fin in case it ever happened again. It is VERY difficult to get a person back into the boat. My Lund dealer puts the ladder on every boat, and he expects it to be a requirement soon.
My son kids that I must always wear a PFD- he doesn't want to waste a lot of fishing time searching for the body.
slonezp reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, MickD said:
My son kids that I must always wear a PFD- he doesn't want to waste a lot of fishing time searching for the body.
Proper time management cashes checks in tourneys.
BuzzHudson19c reply :
Yep. Some of my earliest memories are swimming at the lake. If I'm out fishing and it's warm enough, I like to pull the kayak on shore and take a quick dip.
Also I know it's not recommended, but I never wear a PFD, so it helps to be a good swimmer.
slonezp reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 9:51 AM, Quarry Man said:Several close calls while swimming have made me terrified of being in the water. I also sink like a rock (5% body fat will do that), but I am in extremely good shape and could likely tread water for an hour if need be. I always avoid swimming, but always stay near shore and if not i wear my life vest. I don't go out in the boat when hypothermia is a possibility and if i am way offshore, i wear a pfd. Also, my home lake is like 4' deep so i can just stand lol.
All it takes is one close call and you'll wear your pfd/be more careful...
Hypothermia is always a possibility. It just takes longer in warmer water. A PFD won't prevent hypothermia, it can prevent drowning and will make it easier for someone to find you. You can drown in 3" of water if you get thrown out of the boat and land face down unconscious.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, MickD said:Very good point. After dumping my brother over one time, and trying to bring him back into the boat by his standing on the horizontal fin on the lower unit, we found it very difficult since his shoe was slipping on the fin. I added some of that yellow "sandpaper" tape to the fin in case it ever happened again. It is VERY difficult to get a person back into the boat. My Lund dealer puts the ladder on every boat, and he expects it to be a requirement soon.
My son kids that I must always wear a PFD- he doesn't want to waste a lot of fishing time searching for the body.
Lund's Pro-V Bass boat features a pull out boarding ladder that is incorporated into the hull.
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
I can swim. All my sons have been on/are on swim teams.
2 of 4 are life guards, and guard at the Coast Guard base
locally. We still always wear PFDs in our kayaks at all times.
On boats, it is more nuanced.
Way north bass guy reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 11:36 AM, A-Jay said:Lund's Pro-V Bass boat features a pull out boarding ladder that is incorporated into the hull.
A-Jay
All Smokercrafts have something similar, not only are they great for a swim in the middle of the lake with the kids, but they can save lives. Far as I’m concerned, all boats should have something like this on them.
burrows reply :
My brother in law owns a boat, and he doesn't talk about it but he can't swim, he always wears his pdf all the time. I guess something happened in high school from what I've heard during swim and now he just won't go in more than waste deep. He loves to fish though and he loves being on the water just not in the water.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm a good swimmer, but I can tell you that when I've gone for a surprise swim, it took a few seconds for me to process what happened and get my body doing what it needed to do, especially when I flipped my yak in sub 50 degree water.
soflabasser reply :
My favorite sport is freedive spearfishing. I am more fond of freedive spearfishing than I am of bass fishing, which says a lot how comfortable I am in the water. You have to be a very good swimmer to excel in this sport, and be calm under pressure that most men would not be able to handle ( sharks stealing your catch and you defending yourself). Have done many +10 hour beachdives where I do not touch the floor for the whole duration of the dive. I do lots of running to keep myself in excellent cardiovascular shape since it helps with the endurance needed for long hours of diving. With that said, I will never go on a boat that I feel has a unsafe captain. I will not enter a boat without a lifejacket, other flotation devices, and a good marine radio. I will not go on a boat with someone that likes to ''run and gun'' and drive the boat too fast.
Oregon Native reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 3:23 AM, slonezp said:I'm not really sure. I used to be able to swim. I haven't been in the water since I tore apart my shoulder. If I had to guess, I could probably stay afloat. No one is allowed in my boat that can't swim. Captains rules.
@WRB brings up a good point about swimming with your clothes on. It's why I fish naked most of the time.
When I fished the west coast I purchased a Mustang coat that was very comfortable and kept you afloat and warm too. Felt alot safer in the ocean with this one.
TnRiver46 reply :
I love swimming and I use a styrofoam pfd
BillP reply :
I started wearing my pfd when my son started to go fishing with me when he was only about two years old. I just didn't like the old adage " do as I say not as I do".
I can swim but I don't have near the endurance I had so when I'm in the boat I always wear my pfd. I only remove it if someone is taking a picture of me. Then I put it back on.
I also have a Mustang pfd coat that I wear in spring and fall when the temperature is cooler
N Florida Mike reply :
I taught myself to swim as a teen , by staying in shallow water and treading water , dogpaddling etc. Then I would go out over deep holes. Once I lost my fear of the water it was was easy.Then you couldn't keep me out of the water. I still nearly drowned in a rip current at the beach , and trying to swim across a pond with my friends. ( although they never knew ! ) I had a class later on and to pass you had to swim 1/4 mile , but I'm pretty sure I couldn't do that now.
My wife almost drowned in a rip current last year with my g- daughter. She miraculously swam out of it after going Under 2-3 times. My G-daughter ( who swims like a otter ) was nearby ,but wasn't caught in it. I remember seeing them way down the beach right before it happened and breathing a prayer for their safety as it was rough. They were not far from shore but still there was danger.
A young man drowned that day just out of sight from where they were.
I guess the moral of the story is be prepared . Don't take risks.
fishwizzard reply :
I am an ok swimmer and wear a PFD whenever I am in my kayak and have started wearing on when I am wading bigger water alone.
I am shocked to learn that bass boats don't have seatbelts, I have managed to eject myself from my lawnmower before (I will admit to being a bit loaded at the time), I can't imagine not having one on a boat that goes that fast.
thinkingredneck reply :
Yes. Was a life guard. Always wear my pfd. I have an inlatable I wear in hot weather and a regular one during cooler weather.
One thing I do in my kayak is have my pliers, boomerang, etc all attached to my pfd. That way I have to wear it, and I always have what I need.
Seth_7 reply :
Certified life guard here. Feels good in the back of my mind knowing i wont drown while fishing. 
Totally agree with the swimming with clothes idea. or tread water with a 10 pound weight for a minute. Oh boy will you feel it!!
Pro Logcatcher reply :
After a close call with the undertow, I made sure to learn how to swim. I also live right next to a pool, and swim there during the summers.
clark9312 reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 4:26 AM, Bankbeater said:I go swimming every chance I get. I have had to swim when the boat launched without me, and to retrieve a rod.
I had to make the swim of shame one time. No one was at the ramp except me and my girlfriend. She thought it was hilarious. Me not so much
OCdockskipper reply :
My parents grew up in the Midwest, both were below average swimmers. Later, while living near the ocean in California and vacationing up at the Delta, they realized they couldn't competently watch their kids when they were near the water. So they had all 6 of us swimming competitively, all starting as early as possible (I began at 3). At the time, this also included life guard training (pool life guard, not Baywatch). It resulted in all 6 kids being extremely comfortable around both freshwater & the ocean.
I believe the best feature of being comfortable in the water is the ability to stay calm while underwater. If you spend anytime in the surf, you are going to get turned upside down by a wave, which can freak out the uninitiated. As long as you just take a moment to get your bearings, it is not a big deal, although it does help if you can keep your eyes open underwater. Years of swimming in 1970's pools loaded with chlorine not only turned my hair green, it made opening my eyes in salt water easy.
It is also handy when you do something stupid. On vacation years back, a tow rope for an inner tube got tangled in the prop of the boat we were in (it was an inboard with the prop under the hull). With the engine off & the keys in my wife's death gripped fingers, I jumped overboard in about 8 feet of water. I worked my way to the prop, and spent about 30 seconds untangling the rope. As I cleared the rope, I let myself drop down to the bottom, so I could push off towards the surface. As I did that, BONK, I cracked my head against the bottom of the hull; for some reason I had forgotten there was a boat above me. It didn't knock me out or cause any bleeding, but it did disorient me for a moment. I took a second, realized what I had done and swam out to the side of the boat. As I surfaced, the first thing I see is my wife, whose eyes are like saucers. She had no idea what was trying to come up through the bottom of the boat!!
ClackerBuzz reply :
My advice: first learn how to float. A good floater can last as long as the best swimmer. I can swim like a fish but the one time I almost drown was b/c I was fighting river current. I didn't know the river (could have been a dam downstream) and was frantically trying to cross at the wrong place. I gassed hard and started to go under. Finally I rolled over and looked up at the sky thinking "better to float and risk a dam downstream than die here and now". I floated two hundred feet and the current washed me up on the opposing side I was swimming for. Spend time learning to float. As Tom said jump in the pool fully clothed. Learn how to keep ur composure and tread water while you remove your shoes and jeans. Then float for a while until the cavalry comes. That alone can save your life.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I've heard many mentions here so far about "treading water". What exactly does this mean?
Alan Reed reply :
Yep, as a former Triathlete I would swim 1.5 hour to 2 hours 3-4 days. Week.
This is treading water.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.wikihow.com/Tread-Water%3famp=1
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Yeah I've tried that before..... Sank like a rock.
soflabasser reply :
On 1/8/2018 at 10:25 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:I've heard many mentions here so far about "treading water". What exactly does this mean?
Treading water is keeping your head above water while your body is vertical. I would not solely rely on threading water to save my life and would focus on learning how to be a strong swimmer ( focus on endurance not speed, speed is nice but doesn't do much for being on the water for long periods of time) and learning drown proofing techniques (from a qualified professional).
On 1/8/2018 at 10:34 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:Yeah I've tried that before..... Sank like a rock.
Swimming is like bass fishing, the more you practice it the better you get at it.
senile1 reply :
I am a good swimmer; however, as some have stated that will only get you so far in a boating accident. Wear the PFD and be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially on a busy body of water. You want to avoid mishaps if at all possible. Cold water spills can lead to hypothermia quickly. For dangerously cool water, always have dry clothes nearby - preferably in your boat.
Porkrind reply :
I was always a strong swimmer up until around 2010 when I had a back injury rear it’s ugly head. I never had any idea of how it happened but I woke up one morning and it never went away. The pain progressed daily and in 2013 I had surgery. Long story short I wound up have severe nerve damage in my left leg and foot. I’ve come to find that there is only one stroke that I’m anygood at and it’s the side stroke. I cannot kick my left leg much so when I do it’s pretty darn funny cause it just makes this huge splash in the water with a loud ploosh sound. So nope I stink at swimming now and always wear my pfd because I’m so nervous about falling in.
burrows reply :
There are just some ppl that can't swim, it's just the way they are wired. There are ppl that are in great physical shape that can run, jump and get threw American ninja obsticles but just can not swim...
BassNJake reply :
How many people have bought something only to find out you got something defective?
This was my experience after buying a Mustang inflatable life jacket for tourney fishing.
I was to co angler and the boater ran into a barely submerged rock pile.
We both got tossed at about 60 MPH.
My boaters Mustang inflatable opened properly mine did not open at all.
Luckily, I was able to make it to the boat before he was because he was dazed and panicked.
He hit the steering wheel hard on ejection where I was just thrown out cleanly.
Mustang issued a recall on the model I purchased.
I now always wear a foam life vest when running(using the outboard)
A-Jay reply :
On 1/8/2018 at 10:00 PM, BassNJake said:How many people have bought something only to find out you got something defective?
This was my experience after buying a Mustang inflatable life jacket for tourney fishing.
I was to co angler and the boater ran into a barely submerged rock pile.
We both got tossed at about 60 MPH.
My boaters Mustang inflatable opened properly mine did not open at all.
Luckily, I was able to make it to the boat before he was because he was dazed and panicked.
He hit the steering wheel hard on ejection where I was just thrown out cleanly.
Mustang issued a recall on the model I purchased.
I now always wear a foam life vest when running(using the outboard)
Glad you guys were OK.
Walking away from one of these is truly winning the Life Lottery.
Stay Sfae
A-Jay
D3FT reply :
I can swim "OK" and never wore a pfd while fishing. Then a few years ago a guy fishing not far from me drown. It's sad it took something like this to open my eyes but now I'm not on the water without wearing my pfd. At first I thought I would never be able to fish with it on, now it doesn't feel right without it.
BassNJake reply :
On 1/8/2018 at 10:06 PM, A-Jay said:Glad you guys were OK.
Walking away from one of these is truly winning the Life Lottery.
Stay Sfae
A-Jay
Yes, we both got really lucky that day.
His boat on the other hand, not so much as it was totaled.
We got picked up by Boat US and I became a member ever since.
CroakHunter reply :
i can swim in ideal conditions. Don't wear pfd While fishing. We aren't in a body of water over 90 acres and we are the only boat out there ever. Don't have to worry about much. Use the 25hp motor and our top speed is less than 20mph for no more than a 4 minute boat ride. If I fished bigger bodies of water I'd consider it when using the outboard. But it would probably be one of those things that I would use for about 3 fishing trips then get stuffed in a compartment somewhere
RPreeb reply :
If I expected my canoe to sink to the bottom when swamped, I'd have a very different opinion about this, but it's buoyant even when full of water. When I'm prowling the shoreline, never more than 200 feet from shore, I simply don't worry about it. If I was in a bass boat ripping across a big lake at 60 mph, then I'd be wearing some sort of dependable flotation. I respect water and I acknowledge that it's not **** sapien's natural habitat, but I don't fear it.
*Gotta love the auto censor! It cut out the scientific name for man. 
Catt reply :
FYI ????
75% of boating fatalities occur after a fall overboard, capsize or swamping of a boat. When the man overboard is not wearing a lifejacket or PFD the ability to stay afloat & to hang on to the hull is greatly reduced.
WRB reply :
I am (or was*) a very agile person and still managed to fall overboard while operating the trolling motor during the cold water periods. What I quickly learned is how difficult it is to swim with warm clothing and shoes on and a good swimmer. Shoes reduce your swimming ability greatly and should removed first. Clothing gets water logged making you very heavy and snag things trying to get back into your boat. Without a partner helping you it's very difficult even using the engine trim up buttom and cavitation plate, you need something to help pull yourself into the boat with. I keep a dock tie down rope attached to the back cleat and in reach of the splash well for this purpose.
Everyone should practice getting into thier boats after falling overboard in warm water with a partner to help, it's a humbling and good learning experience.
PFD can save your life.
Tom
* age, cold weather and spinal fusion tends to change your agility.
the reel ess reply :
Yes, I'm a good swimmer. But I have hit my head on bottom before and needed to be pulled out. I do know that you don't want to be swimming wearing full clothes and shoes or boots.
snake95 reply :
Great post and thread.
I am a former lifeguard, competitive kayaker, and triathlete. I always wear my onyx pfd when on the water, regardless of the circumstances.
Modern pfds are so light and comfortable that even in the hot Georgia summer they are comfortable.
I used to teach adults to swim (private lessons) when I was a teenager and teaching kids and guarding.
There is absolutely no shame in taking some classes, and the financial cost is very low compared to what we spend for fishing gear and of course the potential risks. I think you will find many people will actually admire you for taking them.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
The more I think about it the more I want to do the classes. I really like those PFDs with the strobe light and GPS module as well. I use a BPS one right now. Great info on here so far.
gimruis reply :
I learned how to swim many many years ago when I was on a competitive swim team. Also, growing up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes its just a good skill to have. I'm not going to swim competitively again, but I still do it on occasion because I enjoy it and its good exercise. I try to wear my PFD regularly, especially when the water is cold in the spring and fall and the boat is moving with the main outboard. I take it off when I fish.
Catt reply :
Hypothermia can occur when you are exposed to cold air, water, wind, or rain. Your body temperature can drop to a low level at temperatures of 50°F(10°C) or higher in wet and windy weather, or if you are in 60°F (16°C) to70°F (21°C) water.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
@Catt wish I had your survival skills buddy!
Hez reply :
On 1/9/2018 at 12:50 AM, RPreeb said:
*Gotta love the auto censor! It cut out the scientific name for man.
It's not auto...
RPreeb reply :
On 1/9/2018 at 7:04 AM, Hez said:It's not auto...
Yeah, it is. It turned that word to stars (****) immediately when I hit the "Submit" button.
soflabasser reply :
Lots of good responses so far. One thing that has not been mentioned is to prevent falling in the water in the first place. Prevention is very important so it would be a good idea to drive safely when bass fishing in your boat. Do not go if the weather is ruff, cancel your fishing trip for a day the weather is better. Do not go without a life jacket and always bring enough life jackets for everyone on board. Do not drive excessively fast in your bass boat since you never know if a big wave hits your boat or you hit something in the bottom. Have a marine radio on the boat. Invest money in a personal locator beacons( for example a EPIRB) since it can help the responders find you easier if needed.
WRB reply :
The definition of hypothermia is when your core body temperature drops below 95 degrees F.
Tom
DINK WHISPERER reply :
On 1/10/2018 at 6:43 AM, WRB said:The definition of hypothermia is when your core body temperature drops below 95 degrees F.
Tom
I read that hypothermia can occur in as little as 70° water. I didn't know it was that easy!
Ratherbfishing reply :
I think it's better to not know how to swim but take all the necessary precautions (secure, well fitting lifejacket, kill switch, safe boating, paying heed to the weather, etc) than to know how to swim and be reckless in your boating/fishing practices.
I can swim but I look like a giant egg beater thrashing through the water. I'm sure I expend twice as much energy as someone who knows how to swim well.
WRB reply :
Panic is your worst enemy, if you are in the water and can't swim it's hard to relax and over come fear of drowning. Learn to swim so you don't panic. PFD's save lives, wear them instead of storing them.
Tom
Chance_Taker4 reply :
I do what I think is swimming but other people around me say its not. 
I guess when you get down to it I can a little in trunks. But probably not a chance fully clothed. I wear my PFD when the outboard is on but once the trolling motor is down and I am fishing the PFD comes off.
J Francho reply :
Grew up with a swimming pool and a cottage on the lake. Swimming has been second nature for as long as I can remember. That said, I did a cold water immersion training demonstration for a kayak class, and I simply could not tread 45° water for more than a few minutes. I've performed a cold water rescue in real life, and my fishing buddy said the same. He was wearing a PFD, and I believe things would have gone south much quicker if not.
RPreeb reply :
On 1/10/2018 at 9:38 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:I read that hypothermia can occur in as little as 70° water. I didn't know it was that easy!
It all depends on how long you are exposed. I've known scuba divers who wore a full length 3 mil wetsuit in 80+ degree water to keep from getting chilled (being noticeably chilled or shivering is the first step toward hypothermia). I rarely wore a wet suit, even a shorty, in tropical waters. I've been in 63° water in the Sea of Cortez in just a 3 mil shorty, and it's a shock when you first go down through the thermocline, but I had no problems on a couple of 30 minute dives. On most of my dives, I just wore a t-shirt to keep my BCD (buoyancy compensator) from chafing.
soflabasser reply :
You still need to know how to swim even if you have a personal floatation device, have a personal location beacon,marine radio, and other things that save your life in the event you fall in.It would be best to get trained by someone who is certified swimming instructor ( and make sure to get references from this person and contact them) or at very least find a friend who is a very good freediver with at least a decade of real life experience freediving in the ocean and have them teach you how to swim. Knowing how to ''swim'' in a little pool means absolutely nothing if your are forced to swim in a lake or ocean because of boat problems. As for staying calm, that is easier said than done and I am sure very few people that post online have ever been in a situation where they had to truly swim well to save their lives. I have been there, done that, and what saved me is staying calm at all times and relying on my training to take me back safety to the shore or boat. All fishermen need to know how to swim, no matter how strong or how brave someone thinks they are. There is no excuse to not know how to swim well and learning to swim well is like anything in life, the more you practice the better you get at it. Always have respect for the water and do not underestimate the water!
haggard reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 11:08 AM, BuzzHudson19c said:Yep. Some of my earliest memories are swimming at the lake. If I'm out fishing and it's warm enough, I like to pull the kayak on shore and take a quick dip.
Also I know it's not recommended, but I never wear a PFD, so it helps to be a good swimmer.
I assumed the OP was asking about wearing a PDF while boating, not while swimming for recreation. If I was swimming shallow and at the shoreline I wouldn't wear the PFD. I think the risks are far less when swimming for recreation than they are while boating. In the yak or boat and not swimming? PFD 100%. It's the accidental swim that I fear. Swimming for recreation in far out water? Not sure what I'd do because I'm not likely to do that.
Sokyfishing reply :
I'm hardly a world class swimmer, but I can keep myself alive if the need should arise. You might be able to find a swimming class for adults. I definitely recommend that you and your family learn to swim.
Columbia Craw reply :
If you've ever had to pull a corpse out of the water it will give you a new appreciation for the value of a PFD worn properly.
The Maestro reply :
I can't swim but I always wear an inflatable pfd from the moment I leave the dock. I fish alone most of the time and it's my one and only life line if I go in. I'll only take it off during lunch breaks or in super shallow water. Lots of good points have already been mentioned about cold water, wind, clothes, getting tangled in weeds, being miles away from land etc... One thing that really stuck with me is I slipped off a dock once into about 2 fow and my feet sunk into the muck bottom past my ankles and it felt like I was completely cemented in. I had to use my arms to push off the dock to get myself out. I don't care how good you can swim if this happens and the water's over your head and there's nobody to pull you out and nothing to grab onto you would be really screwed really fast.
I really think a large percentage of people who drown know how to swim they just overestimate their ability. Falling into a lake is not the same as a leisurely swim in a heated pool.
new2BC4bass reply :
Like a rock. 
BuzzHudson19c reply :
On 1/11/2018 at 8:09 AM, haggard said:I assumed the OP was asking about wearing a PDF while boating, not while swimming for recreation. If I was swimming shallow and at the shoreline I wouldn't wear the PFD. I think the risks are far less when swimming for recreation than they are while boating. In the yak or boat and not swimming? PFD 100%. It's the accidental swim that I fear. Swimming for recreation in far out water? Not sure what I'd do because I'm not likely to do that.
I know what he was asking. I was just saying that yes I can swim and sometimes will for recreation.
And even though it's frowned upon, I never wear a PFD on my kayak. A couple times when oil tankers came up the river I got a little worried.
Mr.Gump reply :
I can...Around the time I got a kayak.. had to test that theory in gator infested water when I was dared to try stand up in a sit-in kayak...Didn't know how to get back in...So I had to swim back to the pier which was about a quarter mile...and had my buddy grab my kayak and follow me.....Everyone on the pier was staring at me lmao
Johnbt reply :
I've been swimming since I was a little kid in the '50s.
"Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes"
Did it in the Boy Scouts. You have to shuck the shoes, lose the pants, and then tie the legs in knots to make water wings.
J Francho reply :
Unrelated cross talk was removed. Carry on.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I swim like a fish when im leisurely swimming..when im fishing im fishing ...pfd and all i gotta be able to save my stuff
CTBassin860 reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 1:31 AM, WRB said:Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes, you don't fall overboard in a swim suit.
Tom
You do if you fish in a swim suit!
Very strong swimmer too. The "Michael Phelps" of the kiddie pool.
haggard reply :
On 1/16/2018 at 2:54 AM, Mr.Gump said:I can...Around the time I got a kayak.. had to test that theory in gator infested water when I was dared to try stand up in a sit-in kayak...Didn't know how to get back in...So I had to swim back to the pier which was about a quarter mile...and had my buddy grab my kayak and follow me.....Everyone on the pier was staring at me lmao
Mistake #1 is accepting a dare to stand in a sit-IN kayak! But if gators were in the water, I'd figure out how to get back in FAST. Swimming 1/4 mile in gator water? You just earned the brass * award.
everythingthatswims reply :
My mom made my brothers and I do swim team for 3 years when we were younger. We hated it, but her reasoning was that if we were going to be spending all of our time on the water, we needed to be very good swimmers. The endurance obviously is all gone but I'm pretty darn confident in my swimming abilities. Thanks Mom
bigbill reply :
Yes, I’m not sure if I could save a life today but I’d try.
Sam reply :
On 1/7/2018 at 1:31 AM, WRB said:Try swimming with your cloths on including shoes, you don't fall overboard in a swim suit.
Tom
Tom, when I took lifeguard training a the Y one of the things we had to do was to learn to float with our clothes on.
I learned how to blow up my shirt and keep air in it to help me float.
And you are right: swimming in a swimsuit vs. fully clothed with shoes on are two totally different situations.
Angealy reply :
We were lucky enough to have our own above ground pool in the back yard.
I was made to wear this swimming vest all the time that zippered in the front and let me tell you I HATED THAT THING.
Being so little and made to wear something that felt big and bulky did not please me one bit.
I gave my mom such a hard time and used to hide it and when it was found she'd put the thing on backwards just so i couldn't get it off.
Long story short, We came to an agreement if i could swim from the pool stairs to the middle of the pool and back i didn't need to wear the vest.
I can still swim to this day but i'm no mile swimmer!
Edit: In middle or high school i ended up joining the swim club and we used to swim in doors in a heated pool and not only was i fast at doing laps but also figured out i could hold my breath longer than others.
Mr. Aquarium reply :
like a fish, i was born in the water haha. i used to dive under my uncles lobster boat when i worked with him, middle of the ocean, dove down to cut rope from the prop. used to spear fish and catch lobster with my hands. i once dove 20 feet deep with just a knife and a mask. stabbed a fish on the bottom and ate it for dinner.
so a buddy and i were wade fishing in our bathing suits, we waded to an island, not catching anything i decided to swim to a rock on the other side with just my rod and the lure i had on. got to the rock started casting. a monster inhaled my lure. a weedless rigged lunker city fins fish 6 inch. so i land the fish and im on the other side of the pond from my gear and my buddy. i had to swim back. so put the rod handle in my mouth, the hawg bass pinned against my chest. swam back
fish was 24 inches long, 7.5lbs
bkohlman reply :
Not a bad swimmer, could certainly get to shore on the small places I fish.
whitwolf reply :
I didn't think much about wearing a pfd for a good number of years but the last five years I have read enough tragic or near tragic stories to change that mindset. There are also a good number of the members here that have given very sound advice with regards to safety and pfd's in general and I now wear a pfd all the time. I can swim and feel fairly confident in my ability to swim my way out of trouble. BUT... I know Durn well I'll be wearing a pfd while doing that.
Chefster reply :
I vividly remember mom taking me to swim lessons as a kid. Grade school age until middle school. Every summer. By fifth grade I was taking lessons with teenagers. One of the many great skills my mom forced me to learn. Swam in high school. Partly because I was pretty good. Mostly to get the attention of a girl. I am lucky enough to have a pool close by to still swim laps in. All 3 of my kids, youngest is 5 oldest is 18, all have taken lessons and can swim like fish. But even though we can all swim well we still use life jackets when the situation calls for it. Water is not forgiving and anything can happen in a blink of an eye.
mattkenzer reply :
Yes i can swim but at 50 years old, lacking practice.
The Maestro reply :
Another thing about wearing a pfd regardless of how well you can swim is that if you do go in it allows you to focus your mental and physical energy on figuring a way out of the situation instead of putting it towards keeping your head above water.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Do any of you guys ever "test" your PFDs to make sure they will actually hold you up? The full, non CO² style ones I mean. Thinking of doing this to mine in a pool.
BillP reply :
On 1/26/2018 at 9:07 AM, DINK WHISPERER said:Do any of you guys ever "test" your PFDs to make sure they will actually hold you up? The full, non CO² style ones I mean. Thinking of doing this to mine in a pool.
I test mine every year. I jump into the lake from my boat and use the boat ladder to get back in the boat.
contium reply :
I surfed the better part of my life so yes, I'm pretty comfortable in water including cold water. And clothing doesn't weigh that much in water. Most shoes I fish in float. Pants and shirts are fairly neutral buoyant. Throw some cloths in the water. They don't sink like a brick. Pulling yourself out of the water is another matter as those wet cloths now weigh a lot once you clear the water.
je1946 reply :
My dad and mom were both gd swimmers and made it a point that we all knew how to swim. He always said to keep your head in the water and don't panic and you can pretty much survive any situation. When I was younger and went to a lake I would always swim to the other side, wouldn't attempt that today.
Drew03cmc reply :
I swim enough to save my own ass. If i have to tread water or float, that's another story.
Fish the Mitt reply :
Yes. If not, my time in the Marine Corps would have been that much more entertaining (for others of course).
But to answer the real question, I know and understand my capabilities on the water. However, there are many things that can happen that I cannot control. Because of this, when my big motor is running, my PFD is on (regardless of laws and tourney rules - I've seen too many videos to ignore that). I don't however wear one when my big motor is not on (unless chop calls for it or I'm so excited to fish I forget to take it off).
As far as kayaking, I always have one accessible, but rarely wear it.
TimberTodd reply :
I am not a strong swimmer but regardless I am wearing my pfd while in the yak.
EmersonFish reply :
Can't really swim. I suppose if I was dropped in the middle of a pool, I could get to the edge, but in a real world survival situation, I'm toast. Probably why I go a little overboard with my kids as far as pushing them to become swimmers. At least my daughter might get a swim team scholarship out of it.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
On 2/2/2018 at 2:34 AM, EmersonFish said:Can't really swim. I suppose if I was dropped in the middle of a pool, I could get to the edge, but in a real world survival situation, I'm toast. Probably why I go a little overboard with my kids as far as pushing them to become swimmers. At least my daughter might get a swim team scholarship out of it.
For the most part, we're alone in the can't swim department. I for sure thought there would be way more people that didn't know how.
Shak Muscles reply :
I would say just learn on your own. You don't really need lessons if you are just trying to learn the basics of how to swim (freestroke)
Start of on the shallow end and keep air in your lungs and you should naturally float. Once you have wading down, you can try to actually swim. As long as you hold your breath while swimming you should never sink. Keep the feet moving, and if you want you can even swim with your head above the water without holding your breath.
I think YouTube videos will help out a ton on the technique.
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