As a former certified lifeguard, I've rescued 3 people from almost certain
death by drowning (not including my water safety instructor).

During my certification test, after treading water for an hour, I was
instructed to approach the (flailing) instructor and make a rescue, after
assessing the chances of doing so successfully. Unbeknownst to me, the
instructor planned to use me as an example (because I was the biggest male
in the class) of how a panicked swimmer can turn on even the strongest
rescuer. He did teach me a good lesson but he learned one as well. I broke
free of his trap by breaking one of his ribs, at which point, I had to
actually rescue him. It turned out that being a wrestler is a lot like being
a lifeguard. Who knew?

In my youthful arrogance, I foolishly tempted fate by experimenting with rip
tides and other fast moving currents. I'm still a very good swimmer, but
like you Bob, I'm not a fast swimmer. That's ok though, I use the extra time
to assess the approach and rescue, and fatigue the struggling victim.

Scout


"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
ups.com...
As interest in Bobsprit swells, I think it's best to be clear about
some things, even if my participation here will be quite limited here
for the next few months....

While everyone here is suddenly a retired Mark Spitz who repairs cruise
ship propellers underwater and using sea sponges for air....I'll
actually define my swimming ability honestly.

I currently weigh in an 215 lbs at 6'3 tall. My upper body is comprised
of longer muscle strands, which gives me good initial power well beyond
that of most men. At the age of 12 I passed a swimming test for
certificate allowing me to join in advanced water sports at PA private
camps. I was one of the youngest to pass.

Currently I'd rate my swimming ability as "good" but not exceptional.
There are folks who get to swim everyday. That means their muscles are
really in shape for that specific activity. No part time swimmer can
match this. I clean my own keel and can hold my breath longer than most
people. Under reasonable temps I could swim from even the widest point
of the LIS back to shore, which I think is a very basic capability for
folks who singlehand coastal. You should be able to swim a few miles
with ease and I don't think it's unreasonable for every sailor to be
capable of swimming 5-8 miles at least.
I'm not a fast swimmer, but I'm strong in the water and confident. Two
years ago we had a friend swimming near the boat suffer a panic attack.
It instantly eshausted him, but I was easily able to pull him from the
water. If you can't do this you shouldn't be on the water.

RB
35s5
NY


RB
35s5
NY