To think the RNLI is going to be screwed?

[HollowedOut]

I went to The Range a few days ago and there was an entire aisle of inflatable kayaks and stand up paddle boards for a couple of hundred pounds. At the beach this morning and it’s spring tides with a strong breeze and there were dozens of people taking little kids out on these things with no lifejackets and from the couple that I looked properly at as they were desperately inflating them on the beach no waterproof bag for a phone, repair kit or radio.

It seems absolute madness that supermarkets can sell these things so cheaply and people are now launching themselves out to sea with absolutely no knowledge of the local tides/ currents/ winds/ boating restrictions. I know the RNLI has always had the odd idiot on an inflatable alligator or similar but these paddle boards and kayaks give people a sense that they are an actual craft suitable for going out on. Which, if you know how to use them and stay safe they can be, but if not can be lethal.

I don't know anyone who would just buy a canoe like that

You're probably right that people are underestimating the risks. If so, hopefully there will be a high profile near miss before there's an actual tragedy, and people will take some more sensible precautions. In the meantime if you are really concerned about the way these items are being marketed, you could perhaps contact your local trading standards to take a look - they can require changes in your branch then maybe the company (ies) might cop on a bit.

We bought our first from Lidl 2 years ago. Cost about £60ish. Spent more on life jackets as we aren't idiots.

Found quickly that inflatable kayaks aren't that usually unless on a smooth lake with no wind. Upgraded to a proper canoe. But it got us into the hobby and realised we do like it!

We have a license to use on rivers and canals and have had dome great trips.

Many people don't do research. Good quality inflatable kayaks and paddleboards are safe.

@Aroundtheworldin80moves, no water-craft is safe if there’s an irresponsible or clueless idiot on board.

Vessels like canoes and kayaks and boards have been available from multiple places for many years they are easy to get a hold of so them suddenly being in the range isn't an issue tbh. Lidl, Aldi, camping shops, Wowcher, Groupon, ebay, Amazon all sell them. Unfortunately you get idiots everywhere that doesn't mean there's about to be a crisis involving dummies stuck in the water.

I just see it as positive. It's getting people access to something healthy and fun.

@ShaneTwane I haven’t seen them so obviously available in places until the last year or so. All the grockle shops near me that until recently would sell inflatable rings/ little dinghys which obviously aren’t suitable beyond wading distance are now selling paddle boards and inflatable canoes but not any life jackets or waterproof cases. There’s been a huge increase in the amount of people just launching off the beach to do these activities with no clue at all.

[quote GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER]**@Aroundtheworldin80moves, no water-craft is safe if there’s an irresponsible or clueless idiot on board.[/quote]
True but that includes yachts and motorboats too.

I meant safer really! Massive difference between a cheap inflatable dinghy and some of the upmarket drop stitch inflatable kayaks. Plus safety equipment.