Re: [Paddlewise] kayaker lucks out

No where in my post do I suggest that the report engage in 'writing a
treatise'.  That's your hyperbole, not mine.
'Government Bureaucratic Gobbledygook' is your hyperbole, again.

You want to grumble and gripe on the list about regulations, hold
forth on theories about why and how PFDs acquired their names,
or the origins of boating safety rules, Maritime Law, etc., you're
certainly entitled.  And you'll certainly find an  audience of people
willing
to chime in about how right you are about 'PC' naming and the
absurdities of regulatory bureaucracy.  But that doesn't make it so,
Nick.  Any more than this reporter calling this guy an 'experienced
kayaker' makes him so.

My argument with the reporting of this incident is not about PFDs or
LIfe Preservers.
It's about a common theme in reporting about kayak-related incidents
that has emerged
as our sport has become extremely popular and far more diverse in the
types of people who
take up kayaking.  I think it a disservice for a reporter to write
about a 'survival' story, which requires the victim to
have 'survived' a life threatening situation, without putting the
nature of that situation to greater circumspection.

Again, I think the larger disservice here is another 'report' about a
'near miss tragedy' that fails to
make an accurate and informed account of the incident, its parties,
its contributing conditions, and
a broader context for the intended audience to engage.  When papers
report about a proposed increase
in property taxes, they include factual numbers and a tangible
connection to the impact the increase
will have on both the community at large, and the individual property
owner.  It lacks the drama of a guy
who swims alone in the dark sea, sure. But the reporting is far more
beneficial and informative, and those
who choose to read it will gain something of worth for having made
the effort.

-Will



This from the Canadian Red Cross Boating Safety site:

Lifejackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)



Lifejackets vs PFDs

Lifejackets:

A Canadian approved standard lifejacket, when worn properly, is
designed to turn an unconscious person from face down to face up in
the water, allowing them to breathe. The standard lifejacket is
keyhole style and comes in two sizes - one for people who weigh over
40 kg (90 lbs), and one for people who weigh less than 40 kg (90 lbs).

Standard lifejackets must be orange, yellow or red, and have a
whistle attached.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

A Canadian approved PFD is designed to keep you afloat in the water.

PFDs were designed for use in recreational boating and are generally
smaller, less bulky and more comfortable than lifejackets.  They have
less flotation than lifejackets, and have limited turning capacity,
but are available in a variety of styles and colours

Inflatable PFDs

An inflatable is a type of personal flotation device that either
automatically inflates when immersed in water, or is inflated by the
wearer using either an oral or manual inflation device.  Most
inflatable PFDs use a carbon dioxide cartridge to inflate.  Approved
inflatable PFDs can be worn if you are 16 years or older and weigh
more than 36 kilograms.

Things to consider when choosing a flotation device

Activities: Consider the water activities that you enjoy. Today there
are PFDs specially designed for various activities including
pleasure boating, fishing, water skiing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing
and rafting.  Note that inflatable lifejackets or PFDs are not
approved for some uses in Canada.  Be sure to choose a PFD that meets
your particular needs.
Colour: PFD's are available in many bright colours. The Canadian
Coast Guard strongly recommends bright colours for better visibility.
Size: Sizing is based on chest measurements for adults and weight for
children -- read the label for details.  Try the lifejacket or PFD
on. It should fit snugly, with all the buckles, zippers and snaps
done up, but still allow room to breathe and move around freely. Try
walking and sitting in it too. Your PFD is too big if you can pull it
over your ears, and too small if you cannot fasten all buckles and
straps.

On Aug 14, 2007, at 9:10 AM, Nick Schade wrote:

> On Aug 13, 2007, at 5:51 PM, Will Jennings wrote:
>> Life Vest or Life Jacket implies that the device WILL, in fact,
>> contribute greatly to preserving or saving your life.
>> That's just not true about PFDs. They will help keep you more
>> buoyant.  They may also provide some insulation,
>> or allow you to carry signaling and survival gear on your person.
>> But they will not contribute to preserving or saving your life.
>
> I'm sorry, but if one of those things that kayakers often wear does
> not contribute greatly to saving our lives, why are we saying the
> subject kayaker "lucks out" when he survived without one on?
>
> We don't wear these things because they look cool and are
> comfortable. I don't think they are either. Wearing one is an
> extremely effective tool for assisting to keep boaters alive when
> they end up in the water. We can delve into the semantics of what
> it means to "contribute greatly", but I think that even a type III
> "PFD" saves lives. Other categories may have more buoyancy and
> cause people to float upright when unconscious. But, if you aren't
> wearing it when you enter the water it isn't worth much, so those
> with more capabilities in the water that are too uncomfortable to
> wear while paddling are not going to save many lives either.
>
> It is not the reporter's duty to set forth a treatise on the
> intricacies of different categories of safety equipment every time
> someone has close call or worse. Yes, it would be a valuable
> service if they did that, but it is not an obligation. If you think
> it really should be done, I'm sure the paper would appreciate a
> well written letter to the editor on the subject. However, I don't
> think saying a type III PFD does not contribute to preserving life
> would be in the public interest.
>
> Nick Schade
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