Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

Steve writes:
 . . . why don't we also legislate and require the use 
of . . . 
13. PFD (worn not carried)
----------------------------------------
Yes, why not?  

Relative to the cost of kayaks, PFDs are cheap, and I 
believe that there is already a requirement to carry one 
on the boat.  And it is not uncommon for states to 
require the use of things such as seat belts, motorcycle 
helmets, and in some cases, bicycle helmets.  People 
grouse about the great "loss" of rights that these 
requirements entail, but surely thousands of people are 
alive today who otherwise would not be because of these 
same laws.

In society in general, less damage is better than more 
damage, less death is better than more death.  

Now it seems to me that there would never be a time when 
someone shouldn't wear a PFD, except while using the 
kayak as a diving platform.  Other than that, is there 
anyone who would recommend that a PFD not be worn?  If 
so, I would like to hear that argument.  If PFDs should 
always be worn, then why not require people to wear them?

Requiring PFDs would not guarantee that all people would 
wear them, nor does the wearing of a PFD guarantee 
survival.  But requiring PFDs would have the effect of 
increasing their use, in the same way that mandatory 
seat belt laws have increased seat belt usage.  And even 
if a PFD doesn't guarantee survival, at least it gives 
the person a much better chance.  So why not require 
them?

jim holman
 
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