1. River Safety and Education by Jim Cole

2. River Safety and Education Background Past President and current Membership Chairperson of RICKA. ACA Certified Instructor. I have taken canoeing and/or rescue classes every year for 15 years. 20 + years teaching Canoeing and Kayaking. 20 + years of teaching rescue and self rescue techniques. 15 + years of white water canoeing experience. Author of Paddling Connecticut and Rhode Island. Paddled 300 + miles of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. I have seen hundreds of paddlers capsize during rescue practice as well as accidental capsizes on canoe and kayak trips.

3. River Safety and Education

4. Inflatable PFDs – What you need to know. Types Uses Maintenance (before each use) Maintenance (At least annually) Replacement parts $$$$ Common Sense Suggestions -Try it out.

5. River Safety and Education Types of inflatable PFDs Auto Inflatable PFDs This type will automatically inflate when submerged in water. It can also be inflated using a rip cord. An oral inflation tube is also provided. Manual inflatable PFDs This type requires the user to pull a rip cord to inflate. An oral inflation tube is also provided.

6. River Safety and Education Uses for inflatable PFDs Used on commercial aircraft in case of water landings. Approved by USCG for use in most watercraft. Not approved for anyone under age 16. Not approved for use with swift water sports including: – waterskiing or other towed devices, –PWC (personal water craft), –small sailboats, –sailboard, –white water or –kayak surfing.

7. River Safety and Education Maintenance ( before each use ) Auto Inflators – inspect the auto inflator bobbin, and arming device. A RED indicator means the inflator or arming device needs to be replaced. Green means GO. CO2 cylinder – inspect for signs of corrosions or rust. Check weight of CO2 cylinder. Bladder – Check for signs of wear, puncture, scraps, or cracks. Oral inflators – check to see value is closed.

8. River Safety and Education Maintenance ( at least Annually ) Manually inflate in fall and leave inflated for off season to prevent dry rot or cracking of bladder. While inflated check for leaks (leave inflated for minimum of 24 hours to find slow leaks). Coat CO2 cylinder with Vaseline to prevent corrosion. Check the inflator (and bobbin on auto inflate models)

9. River Safety and Education Replacement Parts ( in waterproof container ) Always carry at least 1 spare CO2 cylinder. ($6.95) Always carry a spare arming kit for auto-inflators. ($19.95) Always carry a repair kit (if recommended by the manufacturer). On multi day or wilderness trips, you may want to carry a spare PFD. River Safety and Education

10. Common Sense suggestions – Try it Out Try the PFD on in the water. Yes, jump in the water and inflate your PFD. That way you will know what to expect in an accidental swim. Re-arm the inflation device. You dont want to try and figure this out in the middle of no-where without the instructions. Replace the CO2 cylinders. Again, dont wait for the emergency to try and figure it out. Practice restoring the bladder to the un-inflated condition.

11. River Safety and Education Problems encountered with inflatable PFDs Accidental inflation because of weak bobbin. Accidental inflation because of ripcord catching another object. No rearming kit or CO2 cylinder available. Unable to put on an inflated PFD. PFD unable to stay inflated.

12. River Safety and Education As a result of several problems, the following organizations not longer allow inflatable PFDs on their Canoe and Kayak Trips: Rhode Island Canoe Kayak Association Blackstone Valley Paddle Club Southern New England Paddlers

13. River Safety and Education Questions ? Comments? Thank You