[Paddlewise] PFD fines

>4. He wasn't wearing a PFD, a whistle or a knife!

No he doesn't. Even when whitewater kayaking last fall he didn't.
==========================================

last week i was paddling on a local waterway when i met a fellow who had
paddled there 3 times a week for the past several years - he told me this
story.

about a month ago, while on a nearby creek a a powerboat with antennas
everywhere approached him. The enforcement officer asked to see his PFD.
After a brief look in his cockpit:
'i don't seem to have it with me today sir, it must be back in my car.'
   he was escorted back to the marina and up to his car.
'i don't think it's in there.'
   you better look for it.
'it's not here, must have left it at home.'
   that will be a $55 fine.
'please sir, i'm retired, on a fixed income and that really would hurt. i
usually wear it, just forgot today'
   ok. be sure to bring it next time.

as he started to take his kayak out of the water the officer asked,
  'what are you doing?'
well, it seems that i can't paddle without my PFD.
  'no problem, take one of ours'
but what will i do with it when i return/
  'leave it by that building over there'
thanks a bunch and off he paddled.

at that point, the fellow pull a new PFD out of his cockpit. told me he had
been to the Walmat (local discount store) an bought it just after meeting
the MAN. seems he had not even owned a PFD!

in the local waters, the USCG requires a PFD be onboard,
 but i'm not aware of any government requirements to wear one.

bye bye bliven


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