Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

> 13. PFD (worn not carried)
> ----------------------------------------
> Yes, why not?  

   Studies have shown that seat belts in cars save lives. The studies pointed 
to the fact that more people survived automobile accidents, or were less 
severely injured, while wearing seat belts then did those who were not. It's 
simply a matter of statistics.
   Now I am not aware of any like studies having been conducted about wearing 
pfd's in kayaks. Anecdotal stories about how "I would've died, by golly, had 
I not been wearing my trusty pfd," simply don't cut it. And while I have not 
made any formal studies into the matter myself, it would seem to me that from 
the stories I have read about kayak deaths there seems to be a pretty even 
split between those who have died with their pfd's on, and those who died 
without one. Hardly compelling evidence about the effectiveness of pfd's.
   We are required to carry pfd's in our kayaks NOT because they are kayaks, 
but because they are boats. The regulations regarding carrying lifejackets in 
boats apply to general recreational boating, of which category we as kayakers 
happen to fall into. You are not required to wear your pfd when you are 
attending a wedding reception on a yacht, and neither are you required to 
wear them while out kayaking.
   As I have stated so many times in the past, anything you can say about the 
lifesaving attributes of the pfd in sea kayaking can just as easily be 
applied to helmets. So why aren't any of rallying together to have a law 
passed requiring that helmets should ALWAYS be worn while kayaking?

Here we go again!

Scott
So.Cal.

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************