There have been some questions on exacty what is required and what is recommended on your lifejacket. Here is the answer:
Required Equipment includes the following -
- Whistle - this is a CG requirement. I have actually seen a CG inspection and the paddler had to actually use his whistle. WaterTribe also requires that the whistle be attached to your lifejacket with a lanyard so you will not lose it. We suggest that it be in a pocket so it doesn't get hungup on stuff.
- Safety Knife - I prefer a fixed blade rather than a folding knife, but you can decide for yourself what works best for you. Here is a practice session to help you decide -- have someone close to save you from drowning: Get sleep deprived for about 24 hours. Have someone tie you to your boat with strong fishing line. Then tie your strong hand behind your back to simulate an injury. At O-Dark-Thirty have someone flip you over. Draw your knife and cut the rope holding you into the boat. If you can do that with a folding knife, you are a scary guy or gal. Next question, pointed tip or pry-bar (safety) tip? Which would you rather have when you encounter a python or a shark? How about cleaning a fish?
- PLB - This should be in a pocket and secured with a lanyard. You should know how to use it and make sure it has not expired like mine will in a few days.
Strongly Suggested Equipment includes the following:
- Strobe light - have you ever tried to see a swimmer from a chopper at night with wind and waves even if you know their lat/lon? A strobe will show up very well and get a chopper to you much quicker.
- Hand flares
- Signalling mirror
- Small compass - this should be stored in a pocket and attached to a lanyard. It is different than the one in my survival kit. Lets say you flip and lose your boat a couple of miles from shore. Waves are 6 feet. It's dark and cloudy. Your PLB is activated, but you don't know if anyone can get to you. You can't see anything but you know shore is roughly east. Your small compass will help you swim more or less in the right direction.
- A small survival kit. Mine is from Adventure Medical Kits and includes fire making stuff, space blanket, fishing kit, etc. I have added extra storm proof matches and spark striker. It contains a small compass, but I would not use this one as described above.
- A small first aid kit. If you use any serious medications, you might want to put some in this kit.
- I also carry a small packet of fresh water. It's only about 4 ounces, but it's better than nothing. I have been thinking about adding a small Camelbak but have not done so yet.
- I carry a spare key for my car - don't ask.
- Some might carry say $100 in cash. If you finally get to shore, a beer or two with a cheeseburger might be nice.
All of the above fits in my NRS lifejacket without overwhelming it. I will show this in detail at the bootcamp on 1/30/2016. I have seen some lifejackets with much more, and some with virtually none of it (not at a WaterTribe event).
If you arrive at inspection with a lifejacket that does not have the required equipment, it proves that you aren't serious about your safety and you will be DQed. Sorry, but we promised the ACA (insurance) and the CG about this.
You have a bit more freedom with the suggested equipment. Ask yourself, if you had to swim to shore, what is the bare minimum you would want with you.?
