Salvavida tips

THE RUBBER TUBE.  The original salvavida which I first saw being used by Sunday swimmers along the shores of Talisay in the late 80s was a car tire’s interior — the rubber tube.  If you have like this at home, check it first for leaks.  If there are none, inflate it.  If there are, go to the nearest vulcanizing shop and have the leaks mended.  Cling to it while in the water.  Stay inside the doughnut’s hole.

THE PLASTIC GALLON.  Do not underestimate the power of a plastic gallon to keep you afloat while in the water because I heard a story of a tuba vendor who was able to save his neighbors during the Ormoc flashflood.  The moment he saw the water rising near his store, he immediately emptied all his gallons of tuba so he can use them as floats for his family and his neighbors.  Thanks to his ingenuity, lives were saved that day.  So, bring as many empty plastic gallons as possible.  Hug the gallon all the time so that you will never drown. 

PLASTIC KETCHUP BOTTLE.  This is too small to support a child’s body.  But if you use this in numbers, you will be delighted that you float effortlessly in the water.  You strap one on the left arm, one on the right, and maybe seven around the body.