A PFD if properly fitted will at least provide a highter chance for survival. The statistics are there if you look for them. Most drownings that I know of were caused by people going out without proper gear or dress. Early spring is the most deceptive time since the waters are still dangerously cold. Use you’re head and you will be safer on the water.
CAll them PFDs That’s why when I taught lifesaving and water safety classes I always called them PFDs not life jackets. They don’t necessarily save your life but they do provide floatation. I still to this day call them PFDs not life jackets.
Seasoned paddlers can add tons of stuff to the list
- BUT many newcomers to the sport just don't know this stuff
Big box boat salesmen won't cover this info
It's merely another sale just like a box of worms
People want a boat for $100 and a vest for $10
Actual knowledge, homework, instruction...nah !
Somehow people think paddling is an inherent skill
-hardwired into our DNA - "everyone knows how to paddle"
We lost one of our own in a rapid a few years ago, wearing a PFD.He got sucked into a hole and tried to swim out more than once.When rescuers got to him, he was dead.
Are you sure? Many people here go out of there way to explain all sorts of things and lately the topic to go out of your way on is PFD usage.
The OP seems to be saying that since PFDs cannot magically transport you back to your living room upon contact with water that they must not be worthwhile. For those of you moping and declaiming the impending mandatory PFD laws out there keep this in mind; if you, as an adult, refuse to make intelligent choices and the impact of those poor choices impact the safety/welfare of others then you will lose the privilege of making those choices.
Please don't forget this one - cold water incapacitates and kills very quickly indeed, with or without a PFD. New paddlers shouldn't place too much stock in staying afloat - they need to think about either wearing good thermal protection, or else have a plan to get out of the water very, very quickly indeed.
Practice, practice, practice…in full gear. Cold water, moving water, solo, partner…all types and conditions. A PFD on a person in a panic or on a person who has never tried to swim in one is a going to be in for a rough ride. Take a little time from every trip and practice, practice, practice.
One of my favorate drills is to flip in full gear and use the paddle to propel me back to shore, it works great but you have to practice it because its a funky motion to go backwards, hold the paddle, the safty line and be held up by the PFD, fun, try it
