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Doc_coletti OP t1_jebjjcb wrote

Reply to comment by NoShip7475 in Shellfish harvester drowned in Waldoboro last night by Doc_coletti

Life jackets, but also learn to swim. It was shocking when I found out how many fisherman in my town can’t swim, don’t wear life jackets, and go out alone.

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ppitm t1_jebtg4z wrote

The ability to swim doesn't mean much in 35-40 degree water. You are likely to die even with a life jacket if they don't pull you out in a few minutes.

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Doc_coletti OP t1_jebzqu7 wrote

The others literally survived because they swam to shore. I’m certainly not saying the other man died because he couldn’t swim, maybe he could, because as you say cold water kills. But the ability to swim is still prettt important for working on the water.

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mainedpc t1_jedx8qr wrote

Don't know the details in this case but, you're right, we shouldn't be quick to make assumptions about swimming ability or even life jackets.

Cold water kills, sometimes even if the victim knew how to swim.

https://www.coldwatersafety.org/

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NoShip7475 t1_jebkc9o wrote

On a whole it's alarming how many people cannot swim. Honestly it's like taxes, insurance, first aid, etc. On the list of things we SHOULD be teaching in basic education.

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Gilgamesh72 t1_jebuxzw wrote

I agree with you, 71 percent of the earth is covered in water your bound to run across it at some point.

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Lieutenant_Joe t1_jeezx7k wrote

That sounds terrifying. Everyone should learn to swim, but it should be a fucking requirement for getting a fishing permit and I’m kinda shocked it’s not. I kinda doubt this was the issue this time (that water’s frigid this time of year) but like… what?

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iglidante t1_jefd9xm wrote

You don't even need to know how to swim to buy and operate a consumer-grade boat.

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