Re: [Paddlewise] Pfds and new rules.

skimmer wrote:
> Here is the answer I sent Gary earlier today.
> Hi Gary,
> I am just explaining why we are where we are. I am interested to 
> see what folks think about the proposal. To this point, nothing has 
> worked to get boaters to wear PFDs. I have provided the website 
> and dates for folks to send public comment to PA Fish and Boat.
> Their comments will not ever be made public by PA Fand B, 
> however. It will be shouting into a vaccuum.

And to PAddlewise:

> Since folks seem to accept the requirement to have Pfds at least in 
> the boat, and since they don't help anyone that has fallen out of the 
> boat, I have been thinking about requiring just a picture of a Pfd in 
> the boat (one pfd picture for each person in the boat). The value of 
> a pfd in a boat to someone that has gone over the side is the same 
> as owning one, but leaving it home in the garage.

Sorry, but if you use this argument then you are also suggesting that any and 
all other safety equipment should be employed full time.

==> A Type III PFD is as much good as a photo if the person is unconscious and 
face-first, so lets require full-floatation deep-sea life preservers for everyone.

==> People might not be able to brace upright, or roll up, so all boats should 
not just have Timmy's spittoons but double outriggers for stability.

==> etc etc

Sorry, Chuck, but life is not completely safe.  This same logic would put 
outriggers on bicycles, along with a couple of dozen strobe lights.  And etc etc.

GaryJ
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