Re: [Paddlewise] PFD Required??

>
>Despite the grief I went through, I still think it was worthwhile to
>instill such a policy.  Most clubs do have a PFD requirement for their
>trips.
>ralph diaz
>--

        To say the least, I am surprised.  I remember when M.A.S.K. split
off but I didn't know the circumstances.  Surprised, too, because you only
had to cross the Hudson to NJ to find that just about all the canoe clubs
absatively and posilutely Require that a PFD be WORN on any club trip.  It
is even in the bylaws of some of them.  We have a special name for paddlers
who've forgotten their PFDs... shuttlebunnies.  They are not going to
paddle; they know it, and they accept it.    This has been policy for a
long, long, time.
        Even in NYC, the Appalachian Mountain Club also has (and insists on)
this requirement.
        Just last Fall, Gov Whitman signed into law  that all children 12
and under are required to Wear a PFD.  Pennsylvania has similar laws.  In
Maryland don't even think of paddling the Potomac without wearing one.  You
will be escorted off the river and fined $50.  I've seen it happen.
        I have given safety talks to some groups wherein I walk in wearing a
pfd and it stays on the whole time.  Kinda helps make the point....
Joe P.


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