I really feel sad for the families and loved ones of the 3 victims. A very tragic event that perhaps could have been avoided. :shrug:
My point, call me a sissy if you will but I'm a fair-weather fisherman. I want to enjoy the trip and white-knuckle adventures are not in my game plan [had enough in various other life-time experiences].
Granted things can turn sour under what starts out as a pleasant situation, but either way I see no reason for not wearing PFD's. Age [and gender] has nothing to do with need for PFD's. And I don't buy off on the old adage "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." Hate to see a good old dog die prematurely. :wink:
We as a community [Ifish.net.USA] need to continue to police our own ranks to ensure that our folks convert to routine use of PFD's. In several posts over the past year we've discussed this on several occasions and often see where one Ifisher will compliment another for wearing their PFD as evidenced by a picture in a thread - THAT'S GOOD.
Earlier today I read a report with pics that showed 2 or the 3 successful fishermen wearing PFD's onboard as they displayed their catch. I think a complimentary comment to the two with PFD's and raspberries
to the third [w/o PFD] would be appropriate and hopefully encourage future use. We don't want to lose any of our "Ifish brothers and sisters".
Sadly, more such stories in the future if folks don't take notice and learn from others' mistakes.
Dean
[ 08-26-2003, 05:06 PM: Message edited by: Born to Fish ]