Re: [Paddlewise] Safety in Recreational Kayaks

> As for the statistics of how many fatalities were with people wearing PFDs
> vs. not wearing one, The Coast Guard figures are quite overwhelming
> lopsided, i.e. many more deaths with no PFD worn than with one warn.  

   I have had these statistics brought up sooooo many times, and I continue 
to have to point out that these really have nothing to do with this 
discussion, or even kayaking for that matter. The Coast Guard statistics 
refer to fatalities related to recreational boating. ALL recreational 
boating. The fact of the matter is that MOST people DO NOT wear lifejackets 
while boating. I would be willing to bet that pretty much everyone on this 
list has gone out on a boat while not wearing a lifejacket. When the 
overwhelming majority does not wear lifejackets, then it only stands to 
reason that the overwhelming majority of victims will not be wearing them 
either.
   Statistically speaking the very vast majority of fatalities in whitewater 
boating accidents ARE wearing pfd's. Does this mean that whitewater boaters 
are safer by not wearing a pfd? Of course not! The vast majority of 
whitewater boaters wear pfd's all of the time. Therefore the vast majority of 
whitewater fatalities will be wearing pfd's as well. It's the same thing as 
the Coast Guard statistics, only in reverse. Neither statistic proves a 
thing.

Scott
So.Cal.

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