So you bought your iSUP, or a boat and you're rearing to get out on the water, and so you should be! But, before you go off into the wild, here are some safety tips for you - or your loved ones - to keep in mind.
Firstly, water is big and scary. Whether you're an experienced swimmer or a beginner, you should have a PFD on at all times. What is a PFD? Personal Floatation Device. They come in the form of a buoyancy aid or a lifejacket. And before you go thinking, but it doesn't look cool... It's the law in Ireland.
We have a variety of buoyancy aids available, so please do have a look at them here. You might be wondering, I've heard of a life jacket, but what's a buoyancy aid? Well, as the name suggests, buoyancy aid is designed to be a vest, or jacket which acts as an aid to stay buoyant. A lifejacket is designed to turn an unconscious person onto their back and support their head above water so they don't drown. So which one is right for you? Whichever you feel most comfortable with. But we definitely recommend having one or the other and not to leave things to chance.
We're acutely aware of how quickly the weather can change here in Ireland, and when weather changes, so does the water. You never know what could happen, and a PFD could mean the difference between life and, well... the other thing.
Our friends over at Water Safety Ireland have load of downloadable leaflets and posters which you can read and learn more about what makes a great day on the water safe. Here's our pick to get started.
Leaflets
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