Another good friend lost

[Terry H]

This thought could have been in answer to "nooki monster" or the thread yesterday about the loss of 2 on the coast.But it is so near to me that I wanted it shown as a new topic.
January 19 this year we [I]lost a very good ,no my best friend,to the river.
He was the best fishing partner anyone could ask for.He was always there to help when you needed help.He was always willing to listen to your trials and tribulations,and wanted to share his.
We had shared so many laughs,and maybe a touch or two of snake bit oil.He was the best friend you could ever want.
We lost him to the river.
My wife has lost two dear relatives to the water.
We have had a child drown in our marina[not ours thank GOD].
All of these stories, share a common thread--------NO LIFE JACKET---.
We all have more money tied up in boats and tackle than we want to admit,but how many have invested in the the one thing that will bring us and our families and friends,more joy and happines than the biggest salmon, the fattest sturgeon,the most shad or the most rock fish.
The item we most need to supply this happines ,is a LIFE JACKET.
People,go out and spend the money and get life jackets or vests, that people will wear.My wife and I now have the automatic self inflating SOS type.Sure they cost upwards of $150,but ,damnit that is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
And,I promise you that the "pain"of 150 is nowere as painful as loosing a loved one.
The thread last night was weather or not life jackets should be manditory.
Anyony who would be worried about this issue, most likely wouldn't wear one anyway.
We should all be self governing enough to recognise the inherant danger with the activity we all love so much,AND INSIST ANYONE ON OUR BOATS ,WILL NOT LEAVE THE DOCK WITHOUT A LIFE JACKET.As "Nooki Monsters"story indicates,that life saver should not come off until you get back to the dock.
Enough said ,those who will listen,have ---those who won't,will not no matter what else I could say.
Lets all have a SAFE and fun summer fishing season.

[Silver Hilton]

If I could add a thought, I once read that 80% of the male drowning victims that the Coast Guard picks up have their fly open.

Get a pee bucket. Make your guests use it, or go ashore.

[Keta]

Terry,

I am opposed to mandatory PFD's and I do wear them when I feel the need. I was fishing where the boat went down just last Monday and was wearing my Mustang suit. I also have a good orange float coat and many quality life vests. I also use them. I gave my Sterns survival suit to a friend when I left Alaska.

[Wet_Willy]

I have a lot in common with that younger fella that lost his life. Age, new baby, loving wife and family. It hit me in the gut. I don't wear my life jacket except when I think I need it. When do I think that will be, when I dump my drift boat or fall out of my bigger boat in the bay? So I ordered a pair of sospenders that I plan on wearing most all the time. I know they aren't perfect but considering my life vest typically sit on the back of my front seats, it is a better alternative. At least if something happens I am wearing it and have put the odds in my favor. If you see me out there and think I look stupid, that is fine with me. I was thinking more of my family than of myself.

Bill

[Phil Layer]

I'm an old f@rt but I can't believe that someone would not wear a PFD because it did not look good. What's up with that?!

Let's show the tiniest semblance of intelligence here and get the dang vests on, boys! I could care less what you look like out on the water.

I hate reading these posts of lost friends on the water. It is a terrible shame and, in most cases, doesn't have to happen.

Terry, sorry for your loss.

Wet Willy - Attaboy! Wear that SOSpender. I've got one and I love it...feel nekkid without it.

[ 05-21-2002, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Moby ]