Capsized In Icy Water

[Greg Owens]

Here's something to remember about waders. Even if they are FULL of water, they still do not weigh any more than they did on dry land when you pulled them out of the box... The water that fills the waders does not weigh anything, (compared to the water surrounding the waders) until you try to get out of the water...

The best thing you can do is to tuck your knees up to your chest, this will keep air in the leg portion of the waders which not only provides boyancy, it also reduces your exposure to the fridged water in that portion of your body. If you have a life jacket on, you will be able to hold this position for quite a while.

Try it for yourself this summer, and hope you never have to use this information.

Greg

[David Ortley]

Since my original post our local volunteer dive team, which is a component of the Sheriff's Department, made five training dives utilizing techniques used for recovering evidence in criminal cases. As you will recall, the water was fifty feet deep and 35 degrees. Because of the temperature dives were limited to thirty minutes. Diving was supended for two week when the river froze shut. After several attempts, and methodical searching, Rich Schuster and Sam Fussell found the shotgun at the end of a thirty minute dive. The Avery push pole remains at the bottom and will eventually be found and brought up.

The gun was under for just over a month. It had some light surface rust on worn exposed metal. After complete stripping and treatment with Break Free it shows no effects whatsoever.

My thanks to Rich Schuster, Robert Hanson, and Sam Fussell for their commitment and dedication to their sport and their service to our community!


Rich brings it to the surface


Dive buddies

[Double B]

I had almost the same situation happen to me and two other buddies this year. Our boat overturned the day after thanksgiving on a local lake and we were on top of the boat at about 7:30 am yelling for yelp! Lost two guns, two blind bags and a mr. buddy heater, but recovered all except my blind bag. Thank god everyone is ok, thats all that matters in my eyes. Guns, and other items can be replaced after situations like that. Surely opened my eyes, and showed me not to take anything for granted. Everytime I step foot in a boat from now on I'm wearin a life jacket!!

Here is a link for the story and video if any of ya want to watch. I'm not in the story because in the whole incident my phone got wet and they were not able to get ahold of me. So these are my two buddies.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S265994.shtml

[David Ortley]

Double D

I grew up hunting in Mankato and know the lake you were on. Quite a story! That life jacket is a pain but it may be the verythnig that saves you. Having watched my son go down I know I will always have mine on.

[Allen Riggs]

Makes you think about the way you approach water in the winter. Thanks.

[whackemnstackem]

I know that I will always think about safety before climbin into the boat. its happened to me too. never recovered the one gun. mud up to the hips there.

[koondog]

David,

Great post! I took a plunge this past December and learned some valuable lessons.

1) Neoprene waders provide better floatation and warmth in comparison to breathable waders
2) Keep dry clothes available (waterproof bag in the boat)
3) Always wear PFD
4) Don't overload the boat
5) Use the appropriate boat for the water you are traveling
6) Have a plan in case you capsize

[Mark Brendemuehl]

That is awesome that they could find it. I wouldnt have thought it possible to be honest. That is some deep water and with current etc. that is pretty amazing. Great job to the dive team.
Mark

[Rob Jepson]

Kudos to the dive team! Wow...if that isn't a testimonial to the need for an Avery floating Gun Case, I don't know what is.

[Dave Weidner]

I'm glad it was a rescued gun and case rather than a body.

Safety and lessons learned can go a long way if we remember to implement them consistently.

Dave