Float Tube Safety - Near Drowning
Wes Neuenschwander
As a follow-up to a rather long and lively discussion of float tube
safety here a few weeks ago I'd like to report on a near fatal
incident I witnessed recently:
I was fishing Chopaka Lake, located in the N.E. portion of Washington
state, near Okanagon at about 10:00 AM last Friday, June 7 when a
float tube about 200 yards away suddenly ruptured with a loud boom (it
sounded very much like a cherry bomb firecracker exploding on the
surface of the water), followed immediately by the sound of frantic
thrashing in the water. I quickly pivoted my pontoon/kick boat to see
a man about 100 yards away entangled in his float tube remains
frantically attempting to swim to the shore - about 100 feet away.
The secondary seat-back/safety tube was inflated and more or less
being dragged along with the tube carcass somewhat behind and to the
side of the victim. I managed to intercept him just as he was able to
regain his footing, about 10 feet from shore in about 3 feet of water.
He appeared to be exhausted and was extremely shaken by the incident.
I spoke to him briefly after he had made it to shore and recovered
somewhat. He indicated that the float tube, including the inner tube,
was about 10 years old (and it appeared to be quite weathered) and had
developed a leak just the day before, which he had repaired with what
looked like a standard, adhesive based, patch. When he unzipped the
tube we discovered a longitudinal rip, about 1-1/2 feet long, an inch
or so below the inner-tube 'seam' line. About this time another
angler in a row boat arrived to give the fellow a ride back to the
campground on the other side of the lake so I was unable to examine
the tube or get any further information.
I found this incident EXTREMELY disturbing, not only due to the near
fatality of it (I doubt he could have made it another 100 feet) but
also due to the sudden, catastrophic, nature of the float tube
failure. I mean this thing just suddenly, and without any real
forewarning, EXPLODED and essentially sank on the spot. I had
previously assumed that the failure mode on these things would most
likely be a fairly slow, though perhaps accelerating leak, that would
give the occupant enough time to plan a strategy and respond
accordingly.
I really regret that I did not have a chance to interview the victim
or examine the tube further. If anyone has additional information on
this, or similar incidents, I would love to hear from them. In lieu
of that I have a few additional observations that might be of
interest:
1) The tube was a standard Caddis brand float tube (not a U-tube)
and, as previously mentioned, about 10 years old. It appeared to be
quite weathered and faded but without any obvious patches, tears or
other sign of abuse or problems.
2) The inner tube had been deflated and re-installed just the day
before. This may suggest that perhaps the inner tube had not been
placed or inflated properly, causing it to bind and stress the failed
section.
3) All the float tube seams and fabric appeared to be intact, with
only the inner tube ruptured. This really surprised me. I had
previously assumed that the inner tube could not rupture unless the
encasing nylon structure had failed. I may have overlooked something
since I had very little time to examine the tube, but I can't believe
I could have overlooked a 1 1/2 foot tear!
4) The tube ruptured with a very loud boom, suggesting excessive
pressure may have been a factor. I expect that at a typical rated
float tube inflation pressure of 1-3 PSI such a rupture would make
more of a 'whoosh' instead of the explosive noise we witnessed. Don't
know for sure though. Anyone out there willing to do the experiment
<g>? Temperatures were pretty mild (probably about 70F at the time)
but altitude (about 3000 feet) may have been a factor. I know that
both my pontoon boat and my wife's float tube had to be deflated
somewhat to accommodate the change in conditions (sea-level to 3000').
One other general observation that may bear on this: About 2 years
ago I had to replace a float tube inner tube that had deflated itself
over the winter. When I pulled the inner tube I discovered it had
developed a series of closely spaced holes, along the circumference of
the tube, in line with the float tube seam stitching. It appeared
that the seam stitching had stressed the rubber material (I had left
the tube inflated year-around) causing it to fail. The net effect was
almost like a "tear on the line" perforation on a magazine pull-out.
Mine did not tear or rupture, but the hole pattern could have
conceivably led to that, particularly if the tube had been
over-inflated or improperly re-installed.
I offer this report and these observations with the hope it will
stimulate further discussion about the potential hazards of these
marvelously useful devices. Anyone with additional information or
suggestions should feel free to email me or post follow-ups to this
message. I would also encourage any of you authors out there (or
would be authors) to consider addressing this as a service to your
fellow angler. There are a lot of float tubes out there - and a lot
of OLD float tubes for that matter - and I suspect we'll be hearing
more and more about this in the future. My fervent hope is that we
can avoid losing some of our angling brethren in the process.
-Wes
Wes Neuenschwander
Seattle, WA
JMNess
I'm making two assumptions:
1) This was a black rubber "inner-tube" type, not a low pressure poly
bladder; (more likely to have a catastrophic failure).
2) He wasn't wearing a life vest (the more stuff hooked to me that floats,
the better).
The thread a few weeks ago convinced me of the need for a vest, practice
at quick extrication, and extreme caution, especially when getting in and
out of the tube.
John Nesselrode
Shawnee, KS
Erik William Poole
Interesting incident. I rarely fish from a tube nowadays because I
prefer to fish from a canoe, although I will still use my Sabe Latitude
bladder type for hike-in lakes, but I have thought about the safety issue in
the past.
I was never worred because I have used fins extensively snorkeling and
believe I can swim a long distance with my head above water powered only
by my legs. Plus I can hold my breath and literally "work" under water
for a minute or two in the event I need to untangle myself.
I like to run, bicycle and play squash and I do NOT like indoor swimming
pools, but every year I spend a few sessions in a pool just to make sure
my swimming skills are up to scratch.
I realize that most fly anglers do not exercise regularly and in
particular do not swim very often so I would be at pains to suggest my
insurance programme. (BTW, how do you guys with college football knee
injuries like the big diving fins?)
An inflatable approved life vest? Buddy system? Recycle standard tubes
every 5 or 6 years?
I suppose I better start thinking about this, because physical prowess
and skills may not help me as much as I get older. . . .
--
Erik Poole epo...@sfu.ca
Burnaby, BC
Kevin Burkhart
I experienced a float tube failure last year. My 11 year old tube was going strong,
but one afternoon I noticed it had gone a bit soft. Assuming the kids were letting
the air out, I stopped at the gas station on the way to the pond.
Thoughout the evening I had headphones on, listening to the Broncos get rather
thoroughly trounced by the Raiders. About the end of the game, I noticed my
elbows were getting wet. Upon removing the headphones, I could hear the leak
bubbling under water. I paddled over to the shore, and got out. No panic, no
catastrophic failure. I am clueless as to how a float tube, with no more than
about 3lbs of air pressure, could fail with a catastrophic bang. No offense to
the originator of this thread, but I would have to hear it to believe it.
The truck tire inner tube I use in my Buck's Bag Float tube was over 10 years
old. Whan I stretched it out, obvious cracking in the rubber suggested a
complete replacement was in order, rather than a patch. Had I patched and
continued to use this old tube, it will have failed again soon. I would not
want to have a rapid air loss, that would be no fun!
So, in the future I will remember to replace my inner tube every 5 years.
That should be about a 50% overkill, since my first one lasted more than 10
years. That will be in the year 2000, easy to remember.
The previous thread about someone drowning in a float tube accident has sure
led me to be more careful when getting in and out of the water. That is the
only time I ever feel vulnerable to getting up side down. I have also replaced
the inner tube "second chamber" with a couple of life preservers. This
is safer than a inner tube and satisfies the requirement in most states that
you much have on board any water craft a life preserver for each occupant.
--
Kevin Burkhart (k...@hpeskpb.fc.hp.com, (303) 229-3527
Hewlett Packard, ESL R&D, MS55
Ft. Collins, CO 80525
William Kiene
Caddis round float tubes come with a "recreational inner tube" made in Taiwan
that costs ~$5. Other quality brands, such as Buck's and J.W.Outfitters, come
with a US made 8.25 x 20" truck inner tube that sells for over $20. I sell about
one inner tube a week in the summer to Caddis owners that have a two year old
float tubes that are rotten and leaking. I wouldn't recommend going out in a
Caddis round tube without changing the inner tube to a good US made one.
William Kiene
Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento,CA,USA
ki...@davis.com
Jon Porter
The interesting thing that I see in this topic is the fact that the tube
was 10 years old. No inflation bladder should be expected to last that
long. Certainly, regular inspection of it is in order.
I own a Caddis Delux because of the reliablity of the product. A fishing
buddy of mine has had hers for 8 yrs now. We replaced the origional
bladder with a truck tire tube when the old one started to leak after 5
yrs of use. The cover is obviously weathered but still in great shape.
My tube is currently 4 yrs old. I have had no problems with it at all. I
will be more diligent about inspecting it in the coming seasons. This will
be easy for me since I store it deflated between trips.
Rubber ROTS! That is probably why there was the sudden failure and the
loud bang when it failed.
Jon Porter
--Doing it in a doughnut....
sj
Great report, Wes, and a sobering one. I've never heard of a
catastrophic float-tube failure of this sort, but like you I'd have
to assume that the tube was grossly overinflated or improperly
installed, perhaps both. I think it remains a basic tenet of float
tubing that one should always wear a PFD. Glad to hear that the
pilot was all right (if a bit shaken) and that you were in a
position to help. Best wishes. Jeff
dave bottom
Maine requires a USCG approved flotation device to be carried in any
watercraft, including float tubes. I too have had my 12 year old caddis
inner tube crack but thankfully I wasn't on the water when I discovered
the failure. It only makes sense to be sure your gear is in good repair
and you have a strategy for survival if all goes to hell.
dave
Robert C. Perkins
I got in on this thread late but here's my two cents: If your regular PFD
is too bulky for you to be comfortable in a float tube, try one of the
"shorty" vests that kayakers use. All of the major paddling catalogs
carry them. "ExtraSport" is one of the commoner brands available.
Bob
--
-----
Bob Perkins, Director of Institutional Research and Planning
Methodist College
Fayetteville, NC 28311 Office: 910-630-7037
dave bottom
re: carrying a PFD
I carry your standard cheap orange life jacket, since I'm not comfortable
wearing it, it lives in the backrest. Now if something happened I hope I
can at least get my arms around it!
I had looked at the SOSpenders, I've looked at some lower profile
jackets. There are no USGC approved inflatables so the SOSpenders
wouldn't satisfy a warden.
tight lines
dave
Eric Oden
dave bottom <dbo...@worldnet.att.net> wrote:
>re: carrying a PFD
... There are no USGC approved inflatables so the SOSpenders
wouldn't satisfy a warden.
I believe that SOSpenders were cg approved this spring.,,,
Eric Oden
D Pisinski
Has anyone tried the PFD's by Stearns that are also fishing vests. I use
one for canoeing and it works well. Yeah, it's a little more bulky than a
regular fishing vest, but it's worth the hassle.
Also I'm planning to purchase my first float tube soon, any
recomendations?
Thanks,
don
DIXALEE
I have just purchased a new u type tube by Buck's Bags. I then found this
thread. Have I purchased a death trap? This seems to be a relatively
dangerous device if this thread is founded. I can only assume that like
many products the tube requires the intelligent use. Are the u type tubes
as prone to difficulties as the old round style? As with all newbies I
would like some info about what I purchased. I was a bit taken aback that
the tube came with no owners-users-use guide. This is an oversight that
the tube manufacturers might want to correct.
A.J. Thramer
Frank Church
Don, the one thing I would advise is don't scrimp on the price of your
float tube, stay away from the K/WalMart stuff, get a good quality tube.
I have used Buck's Bags tubes for years with never a problem, they are
made of high quality material to last years and years. To be on the safe
side even with their tubes, replace the main truck inner tube every year
of so, those things do deteriorate over time. At the very least, give it
a good check at the start of every season. There are many good quality
float tubes on the market, and you'll pay upwards of $150 or so for a
good one....check Cabela's stuff for starters. BTW, I assumed you meant
the donut type in your post, if so, get the bigger size for max.
stability. Disclaimer, I have no financial interest in Buck's Bags, just
a very satisfied customer. Regards.
JMNess
In article <4q6483$t...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, dix...@aol.com (DIXALEE)
writes:
>I was a bit taken aback that
>the tube came with no owners-users-use guide.
I bought a Buck's Bag too, and was surpised at the lack of an owners
manual as well. No warning stickers, and no legal language. I expressed
concern with the vendor, and as a result I got a manual mailed directly
from the manufacturer (though it was for a different model.)
John Nesselrode
Shawnee, KS
Rook2
Stay with u-boats. Much easier to jettison if an emergency develops and
legs remaniun relatibvely free. Roundm tubes are death traps,
George R. Berns
In message <4q8isl$5...@newsbf02.news.aol.com> - jmn...@aol.com (JMNess)19 Jun
1996 05:56:37 -0400 writes:
:>
:>In article <4q6483$t...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, dix...@aol.com (DIXALEE)
Why on earth do you need a manual for a float tube?
George Berns
Trout Live in Beautiful Places
Jerry Shepherd
In message <4qa81v$q...@newsbf02.news.aol.com> - ro...@aol.com (Rook2) writes:
:>
:>Stay with u-boats. Much easier to jettison if an emergency develops and
:>legs remaniun relatibvely free. Roundm tubes are death traps,
I think you guys are making a mountain out of a mole hill. I have used a
"round" belly boat for over 30 years in both rivers and ponds (tanks to those
in cattle country) and have never even felt close to being endangered. I am
a mite conservative and just don't get into situations that could make me
sorry I was there.
Jerry
Bob Freeman
Thanks so much for your details on the tube failure. I've never used a
float tube but have been reading up on them. Your information highlights
some areas not touched by others. Bob Freeman, Tallahassee, Florida
Michael Hermens
I must be missing something here. Lots of talk about fear but no
evidence of risk. Over the past four years 90% of my fishing has been
from a "death trap" round Buck's Bag. Lets stop wringing our hands over
imaginary problems. Float tubing is peaceful, tranquil and safe. Enjoy
it.
Mike
JMNess
In article <4qadgr$15...@news-s01.ny.us.ibm.net>, gbe...@ibm.net (George R.
Berns) writes:
>Why on earth do you need a manual for a float tube?
For one thing, the warranty information.
Also, as a first time purchaser/user I was looking for safety information.
Hell, you get more warnings on a champagne bottle than I got with a water
craft.
John Nesselrode
Shawnee, KS
Jwoodling1
>>I must be missing something here. Lots of talk about fear but no
evidence of risk. Over the past four years 90% of my fishing has been
from a "death trap" round Buck's Bag. Lets stop wringing our hands over
imaginary problems. Float tubing is peaceful, tranquil and safe. Enjoy
it.
Mike<<
I have to agree with Mike. I check my tube periodically, replace it every
few years or so, and then just have fun tubing. I think there's a lot
more likelihood of dying in an accident while driving to the lake. Life
has risks. Do what you can to minimize them, but the worst risk of all is
being to scared to enjoy life.
John
Aaron D. Sago
I don't think you'all are remembering far back enough - try to
remember the very FIRST time you used your float tube - maybe I am
wrong, but I know I almost went head first tripping over it in the
shallows. It took me a good two months to get comfortable.
Aaron
NGTO - North Georgia Trout On-Line
http://www.mindspring.com/~ngtrout/
John Thomas Dale
It sounds as though you were going into the water forwards, this is
the Wrong way, you should be backing into the water so if you trip or
loose you balance you would have a cushioned fall. Float tubing in our
North Country is a great way to fish.
Tight Lines...John