Henry Missy, secretary of the District of the Polish Sailing Association, instructor and experienced sea skipper advises on how to ensure safety on the water.
What is this “Wear It” action?
In Polish, it means “put it on”. This is an educational campaign in our region initiated by the Water Rescue Service. We, sailors, join in. The idea is to make people aware that you must wear a life jacket when using swimming equipment.
And people wear?
I see a significant improvement in consciousness. Education brings results. Wearing a safety vest is not trash, just a proof that we care about our safety.
Why a dry swimmer vest? Even if it falls into the water, it will not drown.
Unfortunately, he may drown. We swim the most when it is warm. The body is heating up. Contact with cold water, the temperature difference can cause thermal shock. There may be different situations on the water. The sailor can be hit with a boom and lose consciousness. The basic task of the vest is to keep the man on the surface and in such a position that the head is above the water. A special collar is used for this.
It’s a basic function. What is the other?
The vest protects against the loss of body temperature, it is important if you will have to wait longer for rescue. Well, it ensures visibility. Let’s remember the person in the water can see only the head or hands. A brightly colored vest with reflective material will allow you to see a man from a distance. For example, a motor boater who swims on scooters or motorboats quickly.
Which vest to choose? There are many kinds.
The person not able to swim should wear a life jacket. With increased buoyancy, with a collar. Good swimmers can wear a lighter safety vest. In any case, it should be selected for human height and weight. It must keep us afloat, be well-matched and tied. It should also have reflective elements, like reflective tapes, this is very important.
You have been sailing on the seas for years. How is there security?
It is essential. Experienced sailors do not go on board without a vest. These marine are additionally equipped with a whistle to call for help, sometimes a transmitter. Marine vests are a bit more comfortable than ordinary ones because they are pneumatic. They only fill with air when in contact with water or after unprotected by the user. On the decks is extended, to which sailors in difficult weather conditions fasten special braces, this prevents falling overboard.
What would you give the most important advice to water sports enthusiasts?
The greatest enemy of a man who comes into contact with water is alcohol. You must remember about this.