Save Yoru Life - Wear Your PFD

[Sam]

I hate to be a nag about wearing your PFD, but we have so many photos posted of guys in boats holding bass and not wearing their PFD that it seems it is the usual practice to not wear the life preserver when fishing.

We had a tragic accident on the Rappahannock River over the weekend. A 25-year old engaged 5th grade teacher was killed when the boat she was riding in hit a 12-foot metal illuminated tripod navigational aid marking the main channel about a half mile offshore.

She was to be married within the next six weeks.

The son of the boat's captain is in critical condition and here is a part of the article in today's Richmond Times-Dispatch:

"An 11-year old passenger on the boat remained in critical condition yesterday and likely survived the immediate impact of the crash because he was wearing a life preserver suitable for a child his age and size.

The boy, identified a the son the boat's owner and presumed captain, initially was found floating in the water near the boat, barely breathing and unresponsive.

The life vest kept his head above water; it made a huge difference in saving his life."

The 25-year old lady who was killed was not wearing a PFD.

They were traveling only 35 MPH, much slower than the speeds we operate our bass boats.

An unnecessary boating accident that took the life of a wonderful person with a bright future.

And do you want to hear about the mother of a 7-year old who was killed when her boat hit a pier on the Hampton River as her 7-year old son operated their boat???

We may know boating and safety but as we all know there are way too many jackasses out on the water that put us in peril as we mind our own business and enjoy the day fishing.

A word to the wise is sufficient. 

[TopDog]

Sad indeed.

At least wear it while the motor is on.

[Grey Wolf]

" That only happens to other people."

The thought process of most people.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Sound advice there.  I've had to wear mine alot this just fishing due to high waves.  No way I'd just troll around with it off.

[zero limit]

Around here you see guy's while SHORE fishing Lake Michigan wearing PFD's.

Those rocks can get really dangerous(slippery) when trying to land a huge salmon or trout, many a fisherman has gone in, and its not easy to get out

[WanderLust]

Sound advice for sure. Often times its what you don't see that creates a problem.

[Big Tom]

I am guilty of only wearing mine while the outboard is on.

[.dsaavedra.]

i think most people only wear them when they're running the big motor.

[frogtog]

Can't express it enough. they are no good unless you have them on.

[South FLA]

If you are under 18 and in my boat you are wearing the jacket while the outboard is on or off! 

Over 18 and its your choice, but I always offer.

I personally wear my PDF that is hooked to the KILL SWITCH while the motor is running, never know when you may get tossed!

[gobig]

I only wear mine when the big motor is on. I can also see the logic in really rough water if encountered. Any other time I am willing to take the risk. I am not going to live my life wrapped in bubble wrap.

[SirSnookalot]

Been noticing for weeks.  Amazing how many people do not wear PFD when going out into the ocean, the inlets can be fierce to navigate too.  I'd so no more than 1 out of 100 wear the included young their young children.  Must have seen at least 150 +boats go out this morning, saw 1 PFD.

[firefightn15]

Another one out of Indiana:

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-morgan-county-man-drowns-072210,0,6496264.story

It never ends.

[etommy28]

I where mine when my big motor is on or i have more than 1 layer of cloths on.

Try this i have put on a long sleeve shirt, heavy jacket, jeans and your cold weather pants and jump in a pool and try to tred water, you sink like a rock most of the time. that is why I keep my vest on then. in the summer its just too hot and my boats easy to get back in when you jump out. But always when the motor is on.

[Triton21]

I wear my auto-inflatable all the time while on the lake.  I am getting older and want to keep doing so.

Kelley

[firefightn15]

I wear my auto-inflatable all the time while on the lake. I am getting older and want to keep doing so.

Kelley

K-  You'll never get old! 8-)