RE: [Paddlewise] PFD Required??

 -----Original Message-----
> From: Rick Harwell [mailto:wharwel_at_CLEMSON.EDU]
> Sent: Wednesday, March 01, 2000 7:53 AM
 
> I hate to open a can of worms , but I guess I am ready to let 
> them crawl 
> out.  We are having discussions in our sea kayak club about 
> do we or do we 
> not REQUIRE trip participants on organized club trips to wear 
> a PFD while 
> on the water?  

  My reply has nothing to do with clubs, waivers, or any of the issues
involved in running organized club trips - it has more to do with PFDs.
  As it has been noted here on Paddlewise many times in the past and also in
Matt Broze's & George Gronseth's "Deep Trouble" - "if you don't have it _on_
you, you don't have it".  A PFD that is stuffed into the cockpit, serving as
a seat cushion, stuffed in a hatch, or strapped securely to the deck, is
merely a piece of nylon-covered foam that probably won't be of much value in
a life threatening situation.  A PFD, properly fitted and worn, provides
immediate positive flotation and body core insulation without any overt
action from the wearer in the event of a capsize and exit from the
kayak/canoe.
  The wide range of styles, colors, and features of today's PFD's should
allow most people to find a PFD that is reasonably comfortable and stylish
(my personal view is that as long as it floats me and my gear I don't care
WHAT it looks like) and thus shouldn't be a burden to wear.
  If you, as a club leader, are worried that requiring PFD usage will cause
people to decline going on club outings please weigh the other side of the
coin - how would even a single drowning or severe accident affect the club? 
  I'm not postulating that PFD wear will prevent drownings or accidents, but
they do provide an excellent "front-line" defense and I wouldn't want to be
caught without mine in any paddling situation (and I'm a VERY strong
swimmer). 
  
Dave Seng
Juneau, Alaska
(solo paddler - for a reason<grin>)

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