Hi guys,
R ead this post right thru (the relevant aspects that is) with interest. First may I state I am a newcomer to Canada, from Scotland actually, and an avid fishing/boating enthusiast for the past 40+ years. Most of my fishing has been done on the Lochs of Scotland and Ireland in the pursuit of pike (Northern over here). In general terms, there is no legal requirement to have a life jacket with you when afloat in the UK (a sad indictment on government NOT legislating when they should in my opinion), other than private fisheries where the boat has been hired. Most insist that the PFD, mainly of the inflatable type, either auto or semi auto, are worn at all times when afloat, no matter the weather, or number of people on the boat. Its a condition of fishing on the particular water concerned and you can be put off the water if you fail to comply.
I wear a 'collar' type semi automatic inflatable life preserver ALL the time I am afloat, no matter the weather. Even on the odd day we got real sunshine (yes it happens more than you might think) and fishing in tee shirt and shorts, the device was always worn. One thing that puzzles me is the Canadian regulation the device need only be aboard and not worn. Question.... your in the water...device is in the boat... Beats the hell out of me what good it is to anyone in the boat and not on your person in those circumstances. In my humble opinion (water drowns you where ever it may be) the only place a life preserver can do you ANY good at all, the moment you go over the side, is ON YOUR PERSON...not in the locker or under the seat of the boat you have just parted company from! IF you can get back to the boat and retrieve one, ok...but the time you need it...big time, is when you enter the water. It’s like not wearing your car seat belt TILL you have a crash...crazy or what? I have no statistics for Canada, but Scottish lochs claim the lives of anglers every year in drowning incidents. The one common thread in virtually all such incidents is that those who lost their lives were NOT WEARING a life jacket. In days gone by the argument was always that they PFD's were too heavy or bulky, or uncomfortable. Not anymore. My Collar type PFD is none of those things. They are light and relatively unobtrusive. Expensive? Not really, when one considers what is invested in a boat etc to enjoy our sport. What value do you place on your life?
To be honest, after wearing my PFD a few times, you get to forget its there. Only thing that must be remembered with this type of device is that it must be worn over the outer garment. Under a jacket etc, may prevent the device from fully inflating, it being restricted by the jacket etc.
Jeez...just read this over...what an opinionated first post. But on reflection, I won’t change it...cause it’s my opinion...that’s all. I firmly believe that PFD's for the most part...are only effective if WORN...at all times when afloat...then you have it when you need it!
Anyway guys...that’s my two cents worth...lol Hope to see some of you on the water next year. Presently live in the GTA...but moving to a new place on the Lake in the spring...so I will be a regular 'pounder of the water ' as of 2005! First thing on my list will be a flotation suit for the colder months!
Be happy, be safe...enjoy!
Mac
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