Personal flotation while water hunting.

[Fire Fighter 43]

I m thinking of getting into water hunting and wanted to know who wears a personnel flotation device. Do you have to worry about stepping in a drop off or hole? What if your waders fill with water? Is this a big concern? Being a fire fighter and technical rescue team member, I always have safety on my mind when entering a potential dangerous situation.
For the hunters that use PFD's. What type do you use and recommend

 

[Buried Crap NJ]

I used a self inflate waist pack when hunting durring off season and at night, rough water ect.. I don't have it in the front like it should be but I have it at least. I also have always carried a knife when in wadders, this will help you in the event you have to get them off. Really cheap insurance for your life should you step in a hole or get knock down by a wave.

 

[erikk]

I have the suspender type, never wear waders just wet suits or swim trunks depending on weather. I usually don't wear it unless there is a possibility of rip currents and wear it so I won't have to dump my gear if I get caught in one. A rip will get U if U panic but if U go with the flow and then swim parallel to the beach till U break it U will be OK. As for holes when U water detect you are going slow feeling along the bottom with your feet as U go so really falling into one wouldn't be a big concern. Bottom line though if it is rough stay shallow or hunt the wet and use common sense

 

[Terra1959]

I hunt the surf beaches and would never ever use waders, only a wetsuit and wetsuit booties
Wetsuits themselves assist floatation somewhat
Inflatible life vests may get in the way with my Excal chest harness but are worth consideration if you plan on hunting deeper, rougher waters

Having said that ...I can see that waders can be safely used in calm, very shallow water such as a lake
Happy signals
T59

 

[tomtomnc]

Waders can be safe if your wearing a belt with them.A belt will stop the water from filling them up.If by chance you should lose your balance wearing a belt will allow you to float.If your not wearing a belt with chest waders you should stay in shallow waters or no more than waist deep to be safe.

 

[Terra1959]

Wouldn't the waist belt have to be fairly tight (uncomfortably tight? ) all the time for that to work ?
I have not tried this method and dont mean to sound critical ....
but if you got into serious trouble out of your depth, it seems that the flotation would be below the belt line so your feet would go up and your head down wouldn't it ?
I always thought any flotation should be on the chest or shoulders

I have some full length waders but think I'll stick to the wetsuit for the surf, you may get wet but I am still warm and can float with the wetsuit itself fairly easily.
In a lake - dont see too many issues with waders used in the shallows

My son has a self inflating jacket for rock and boat fishing ...it inflates by a small gas canister on contact with water when and if you fall in.
They also make these with a rip pull to inflate it yourself when needed (if you have not banged your head and are still conscious)
Heres to staying un drowned
Happy swinging

T59

 

[Finderskeeper]

I remember seeing a video about rubber waders........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q7vIiaGIvM

Or it may have been this..........http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYwG52p4yjs

Either way, it sure looks like waders are fashionable and functional.

 

[XT18000]

SOS suspender's are one of the best ways to go IMO. Do a Search on this topic, I posted photos on them.

 

[OldBeechnut]

You just never know


http://www.necn.com/09/18/10/Fisherman-dies-near-Sandwich-Mass/landing_newengland.html?blockID=313676&feedID=4206

 

[Marxman]

Video number one was more entertaining.

Video number two was more informative.

Mark

 

[Terra1959]

a very sobering article oldbeechnut

as an ex diver and surfer I know how the weather / ocean conditions can change so rapidly too and catch you out.

 

[otlew]

During some recent heavy rain and flooding here a local reporter made the statement that 6 inch deep swift water, is all that is required to take your feet out from under you.

 

[erikk]

During some recent heavy rain and flooding here a local reporter made the statement that 6 inch deep swift water, is all that is required to take your feet out from under you.

Maybe if you weigh 45 pounds and it is coming out of a fire hose