Where's Your PFD?

OregonBankie · 02-18-2002, 07:36 PM

Just read the Netarts Bay story regarding the raft, and the critical role personal flotation devices play when you're in the water.

I don't own a boat, but I do some light rafting in the summer (even flipped once), and have been out fishing with guys in drift boats and sleds. A lot of people will rave about the merits of PFDs, but where are the PFDs when you're on the water?

Boating white water, I figure you should at worst case have PFDs at hand, and at best be wearing them. Most boat owners I've seen have them "stored" in their drift boat storage compartments or sled's storage seats. How are you going to get at these PFDs when things happen so quickly in an emergency situation? The best example I've seen is a drift and jet boat owner who always hung the PFDs on all the chairs in the boat, the way you hang your coat on your chair in a restaurant.

So, all you boaties, where's your PFDs?

STGRule · 02-18-2002, 07:59 PM

On my body. Either over or under my raincoat. I will admit to removing it AFTER we are anchored when shad fishing in the warm sun. Then I put it back on to pull the anchor and for the trip back to the ramp.

Perfect Drift · 02-18-2002, 08:07 PM

Watched the Hottamale show tonight, not a PFD to be seen, Scott - set the tone for us.
Saw on one of the fishin show, the host had a big ole' cast on his leg. Folks wrote him, saying not to smart there, he made a point about not going boating with a 10 lb cast on the leg on the next show. Sort of like wearing hip boots with the belt loops on in a boat. Just not a good idea.

Thick-N-Thin · 02-18-2002, 09:47 PM

I run a sled. When I'm in any kind of rough water or running a river I make sure everyone wears them. When anchored or in calm water and not jetting they are over the seats and next to to the seats. I have two teenage boys and I make them wear them when we are not anchored.

Oregon law states that they must be accessible. That means they can't be stored away.

Ocean · 02-18-2002, 10:25 PM

Very sad. Almost every year someone drowns in Netarts Bay. It's usually on the outgoing tide. Netarts is more dangerous them most people think.

I use the Mustang automatic inflatable PFD's. They are easy to store and are comforatable to wear. They cost a few more dollars but they work great. I expect everyone in my boat to wear them from dock to dock.

Regards,

Mark

AllThumz · 02-18-2002, 10:40 PM

.....and they're not just for fishing, either. About 10 years ago a good friend and co-worker was going duck hunting in the Willamette near Dayton. In the dark of the early morning he struck a deadhead and his body was found about a week later. He always made his girls wear their PFD's, but he never did, and he couldn't swim a lick.

Be careful out there!

John

Seefood Man · 02-19-2002, 07:21 AM

This is an easy rule to follow in my boat.
If the bottom of the boat is wet,,The PFDs are on! There are way too many fish to catch, and I want me and my famly and friends to be around to see me catch them!!!! :grin: :grin:

fishchaser · 02-19-2002, 07:27 AM

Hey, Ocean,
You are very right. What price tag do you put on your life. Just because the life jacket costs more doesn't mean you can't afford it. What you can't afford is NOT COMING HOME AFTER A BOATING TRIP. How do you think the owner of that boat feels this week. He killed his brother-in-law. All because they wanted to be comfortable. Now who's comfortable with this situatation.