What to wear afloat

When we use the boats we are obviously exposed to the elements.  If we launch off the slipway then we may be wet before we even start and, of course, the English weather can change very suddenly.

There is no need to pay top dollar for the latest hi-tech kit that scouts will quickly grow out of but clothing must provide the right level of protection.

It is quite simply dangerous to go out in boats with inadequate clothing. 

Buoyancy

Nobody should worry too much about entering the water.  It is always cold but we provide buoyancy so there is no need to panic.  Please do not bring your own buoyancy aids.  Our duty of care would require us to give them a detailed inspection which would take up valuable time on the water.

Footwear

Footwear must be worn.  You really do not want to stub a cold toe against against any of the hard edges in a boat and it is dangerous and uncomfortable trying to launch boats off the slipway in bare feet.  Footwear should have closed toes; wet suit boots are good but old trainers are fine.  Wellies are forbidden because they do not allow freedom of movement in the confined space of a small boat and make it quite difficult to pull the wearer back into a boat if they have fallen overboard.

Wet Suits

Wet suits are great when sailing our 'wet' boats: kayaks and sailing dinghies.  They can be quite uncomfortable in the pulling (rowing) boats in which we do most of our boat work. 

Protection From The Cold

It is easy to get very cold very quickly when on the water.  A lovely warm evening can suddenly become dangerously cold when the clouds come over and the wind picks up.  Layers are good.  Choose synthetic materials because 'cotton kills!'.  A windproof (waterproof) top is essential.  (Our senior sailing instructor will not allow scouts in the sailing dinghies without this vital piece of personal safety equipment.)  Shorts are fine but best backed up with waterproof over-trousers.

Protection From The Sun

When out during the day in the summer be sure that your clothes give some protection from the sun.  Sun cream is essential and a hat keeps you even more comfortable (but find a way to clip it to your clothing in case it gets knocked off); same for sun glasses.

What To  Leave Ashore

At some point, you will probably enter the water while doing water activities.  This could be wading in to launch a boat, capsize drill, or you may just fall in.  The water may be 'nice once your in!' but you will soon get cold again once you are back in the boat.  Your wind-proof top will keep you safe while you return to shore and you will be glad you had a towel and complete change of clothes waiting back at base!