Lifejackets

[Rachel]

Hi all,
          It is with fear and trepidation that I post this because there are so many strong feelings about the need or otherwise for lifejackets for rowing.
         However some of our new members have asked me about which lifejacket is suitable and many of the events we now attend are requiring us to have them if only for wearing on pontoons! On our trips to Ireland and France they have been compulsory for rowing in too.
         I am not saying everyone must buy one but in case it is helpful, many of us have this one which is light and comfortable to row in. I'm reliably informed that it's a good idea to buy the crutch strap too, to make sure it can't come up over your head if you fall in.

https://www.lifejackets.co.uk/superlight-race-150n-gas-rowing-lifejacket/p446

This may not be the cheapeast place to get it from and other brands are no doubt available! If a group of you all want them you would probably be able to negociate a discount.

Please feel free to post other opinions and suggestions below!

Rachel

[Jo Kingsbury]

Hi Rachel, I understand the need and benefit of purchasing a life jacket. If anyone can say where we might be able to get one cheaper that would be good. Is there also an option to contact other clubs in case they have 2nd hand ones where people may have left or given up rowing etc? I only say that from someone who isn't able to row as much at the moment due to work commitments etc.

[Pam P]

I just had to replace mine due to it exploding, it was cheaper to replace it than a new cartridge and service. Just over £50 from Seago  on line. Looks v similar to the one in Rachel’s picture.  

[Pam P]

PS mine includes the crotch strap too.

[KeithY]

Rachel. Happy to buy one if enough in the club go for it so we can negotiate a discount. If not I can go direct. K

[nigel]

Many available in the £45 to £85 bracket, perfectly ok for our uses.
     If you worry about servicing or cost of CO2 replacement cylinders then Seago are currently cheapest at marine superstore (ca. £12 cf. £35 for a Crewsaver).
If anyone cannot get their Lifejacket in time, I have a spare which I’ll bring to Itchenor.

[Steph Savill]

Hi Rachel

I was in a conversation with some rowers Saturday in the Oak and someone was saying there is spare life jackets not being used that need a service and re gassing that could be used as spares. I don't know the lady's name but was stood with Paul and Liz.

Can we as a club all put in a set donation to buy a bulk of life jackets that belong to the club and that anyone could use as and when required. Then they can all be serviced at the same time.

I would be happy to buy my own but it would be a waste just sitting in my home not being used.

Maybe something to bring up as a discussion at the meeting. Also maybe get a set date that everyone with their own life jackets and if there are club jackets to get them serviced all at same time to keep price down as well. It would take the pressure off each person to get their jackets individually serviced. There should be companies out there that will do bulk servicing at a good rate. This may be something that has already been discussed before and happens, I don't know so just throwing it out there. I would be happy to investigate and take on the task of getting servicing organized if it were to go that way, i.e. one date. There is another option that someone in the club does a servicing course so they become trained to do the life jackets but it could be expensive unless someone already has that training and got the ticket to service. It will take a lot of paperwork and record keeping as there has to be documentation for each life jacket.

Hope it makes sense 😬

If not I am happy to go in with others who need to buy a life jacket and buy bulk to get price down if possible. Totally agree they are needed.

Thanks Rachel
Steph

[Matt O’Neill]

Please shout if anyone needs to borrow one for Itchenor on Saturday…I’m happy to pack a couple of spares.
 

[Rachel]

Hi Steph,
         The problem for the Cutters with club lifejackets is storage as we don't have anywhere to dry them out or store them. I think its also safer if people own their own and are responsible for looking after them. I really like the idea of organising testing days for members to bring their lifejackets to be checked and if you were prepared to take that on that would be brilliant.

Rachel