Re: [Paddlewise] PFD Required??

At 11:53 AM 3/1/00 -0500, Rick Harwell wrote:
  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?  

Our club is a paddle america club(ACA)
ACA SAFETY GUIDELINES AND INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR COASTAL KAYAKING
#8. All non-swimmers must wear Coast Guard approved life vests (PFD's).
PFDs are recommended for all participants; they are required for all
participants in Coldwater or "pushy" paddling conditions.

When I called to find out the definition of or "pushy" paddling conditions
I was told anything that pushes your ability to handle it. That would vary
with each person and their ego. We require that you wear one in salt water=
intercostal,inlets, ocean all dangerous with currents and boat traffic. We
suggest you wear one at all times. When some one crys foul when required to
wear one I first tell them it is for my safety so if some thing happens I
can retrieve their bodys easier or if they are in trouble they will at
least be on the surface. The few times people have refused I called off the
trip and explained to every one the reason was so & so would not wear the
PFD and so far that has worked with pressure from everyone. Another club
here in Fla. requires you wear one at all paddles and explains it up front
to each prospective member. If you are worried then require PFDs on your
trips even if it is not a club rule and if people don't want to paddle
wearing a PFD then they won't be on your watch.

Dana
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