SAFETY WHILE ON BOARD

Anyone who has traveled on the water knows that safety is key, and each type vessel has her own protocol and drill.  So, it stands to reason that the Tregurtha's would be appropriate for the size of the vessel and the waters in which it travels. So, Stacia, our on-board host, guided us through how to put on a life vest and more importantly how to don an immersion suit.  These would typically be "climbed into" on the deck of the boat prior to jumping... OMG... into the frigid Lake below.  By the way, we were led to understand that one could not live even five minutes in the frigid water of Lake Superior; hence, the immersion suit. I wish there were audio sound for the photos which follow...as you would hear lots of snorts and giggles. 

Jane,  Don, Dianne, Jeff, Barb and Sam.  How I wish I had gotten a photo of Don putting his on backward.  By the way, Jeff and I are the only two who do not have an extensive sailing/boating background. 

Jeff prior to donning the immersion suit. Notice the sewn on gloves and feet.  We "guesstimate" the suit weighs 20 pounds. 

The name of the vessel is always on the back of the vest or suit so the name of the vessel would show as the person who does not survive would be floating face down in the water.  Happy thought, right??  The black "thing" is used to inflate the suit once you are completely zipped into it.  These suits were designed and became mandatory after the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Only Sam, holding up the rabbit ears behind Barb, fully zipped himself in the way it would be. All have lighted flashlights.  It is difficult to get into them as they are so heavy.  A buddy is always needed.  By the way....don't you think we all look great in orange!!

And, I leave you with the visual reminder of another safety measure: we all had to wear hard hats when at the dock or in the lock!!  ALWAYS!!!