Works fine if the bank is sufficiently near to vertical.  If it slopes, but too steep to negotiate, then it will work depending on distance.  If too steep to negotiate, and too far for the bucket to be lifted from the water and raised to one's position, it is likely to drag on the slope, spill, and the water become contaminated by soil.  Ask me how I know.

But I can usually get my water by bucket.

mcneely

---- David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET> wrote:
> At 07:18 PM 8/20/2013, Rocket J Squirrel wrote:
> >from the "shore." Current's strong, too. There isn't a place to stand
> >and dip water. Would need to immerse myself, then somehow haul myself
> >and the bucket up the steep bank. Then do it a few more times. Thus the
> >pump and hose I will toss in the water.
>
> We sailor types invented a substance some time ago for handling
> situations like this.  We call it "rope"; or when in thin pieces,
> "small stuff" or "light line".  Quarter-inch 'd be about right.
>
> There's also a bit of technique involved -- you cast your bucket so
> that it enters the water ahead of your progress, on its side, such
> that it has just time to fill and sink by the time it is directly
> below you.  As it comes level you haul it up to you.  Should you fail
> in this you'll find that the bucket is taking a trip astern and would
> like you to join it.  Surprising how much pull an open bucket can exert.
>
> Whether you loop the lanyard around your wrist is a choice, depending
> on whether you'd rather lose the bucket or take a swim.
>
> Yours,
> David
> ps - if a regular ten-quart galvanized bucket doesn't find a place in
> your stowage it's possible to find folding canvas ones.  But the
> regular ones are handier, don't mildew, and are big enough to steam a
> few lobsters in if you put a plate over top.

--
David McNeely