The use of PFD's

[MatchT]

Water activities are risky. The use of PFDs aid in our safety in case of an accident. Like seat belts, helmets, and body armor (bike riders), they will increase your chance of survival.

I would like to point out that if you choose not to wear a PFD, you not only risk your life but others who will try to rescue you if they are witnesses to your fall. People naturally want to help and don't realize the risk to their own lives. Water rescue is dangerous to the first responders. A drowning victim can also take out the person trying to save their lives.

Perhaps the people who have criticized you for PFD use have loved ones lost in a water accident, perhaps they are first responders who have seen victims of water accidents and just want to pass some words of caution. I had a neighbor that died from falling off a boat and bumping his head while fishing a local reservoir. Perhaps a PFD might have prevented his drowning.

You are in your right to not wear a PFD, but I don't believe it is the same choice as being obese, smoker, or no-helmet use.

Try not to get to worked up about the PFD comments....

Thanks to this thread I will think twice about wearing one when my boat is underway.

Yes I don't always wear a PFD as I consider my fishing low risk....like you said my right but I probably should consider others in my life when I choose not to.

I'm off my soap box....
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