Is this safe?

[hostage]

A couple of my coworkers are from India and never learned how to swim. I am taking them on my boat this weekend and will require the ones who don't know how to swim to wear a life jacket at all times. I like to play things safe, though is it unwise to let them go tubing w/o knowing how to swim? I do see little kids tubing all the time, and that is why I am asking.

-Hostage

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Is this safe?

As long as they wear a pfd(fit for the occupants, of course), let 'em tube....... Make sure you designate a spotter too.....

 

[badkins50]

Re: Is this safe?

will require the ones who don't know how to swim to wear a life jacket at all times.-Hostage

I'd make them all wear vest all the time. being safe (specially with strangers) = a good/fun boating

 

[OldePharte]

Re: Is this safe?

I would have them "play" in the water a bit to get used to the jackets, ensuring fit, etc. first. Then go out, but don't get too extreme with the tubing bit.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Is this safe?

I would have them "play" in the water a bit to get used to the jackets, ensuring fit, etc. first. Then go out, but don't get too extreme with the tubing bit.

And getting them to "trust" the pfd.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Is this safe?

Trusting the PFD is the biggest hurdle for non-swimmers. My stepsons don't swim and the first thing I did when I took them out on the boat (aside from making EVERYONE wear PFDs while underway) was to anchor in relatively shallow water and jump in with my vest on letting them see that they don't have to know how to swim in order for the vest to work. By the end of the weekend, they had all been tubing and were actually taunting me to try to pitch them off the tube. The most skittish of the crew was hanging on to the rope about 20' from the back of the boat (while anchored) floating and having a good time.

I don't know how old you/they are, but teach by example. Wear your PFD so they don't feel foolish wearing them and be the first one in the water to instill confidence in the PFD. If they trust you enough to go on your boat, they should trust their PFD is you trust yours.

 

[BosnBill]

Re: Is this safe?

Gee, I don't know...I'd like to introduce them to the water first before going tubing. I remember years ago at the "Y" when I took my first swimming lessons. After working out for several days kicking with the "boards" they figured we were ready to start swimming and were going to throw us in over our heads. I was petrified I was going to drown, because I hadn't built up any confidence after three sessions. Sure I was a kid and these are your adult friends, but if they don't know how to swim they may mask their fears. I can guarantee it's not going to be a lot of fun for them unless they are thrill seekers. I say, let them decide; they know their confidence level and be understanding if they say no. Also, if they decide it's for them, you need to go slow; don't try to spill them with a lot of wake. They won't like that, tho you may think it might be fun.