Life Jacket Use

[TeeDee]

Had a similar experience several years ago, early March, very cold. Was in the water before I knew what was happening, no air. Got back in boat obviously, thought my chest would burst open. SOSpenders every trip. Keep the kit re-armed annually, or when inspection necessitates. They're comfortable. Beats another experience like that for sure.

[Gansett]

I am so happy with all of the responses to my post. It was my intent to encourage the wearing of a PFD, and many of you are going to do so. Thank you so much.

[chimneyman]

I'm so glad things went well. I'm also getting up in years after reading your story I ordered an inflatable vest last night. I will wear it

[cevans]

Just be sure to read your mustang inflatable info sewed in it. Heavy fog, rain, heavy dew and humidity, high temps, all can set them off and the high dollar mustang re-arming kits are as much as 80 bucks. Other day, friend of mine had his blown out of his hands by wind as he was putting it on, and his hit the water in less than 2 seconds was inflated. Just saying, read the instructions on them as the only fool proof mustang is the pressure released one and its about 250.00 or more with a 80 buck rearming kit.

[Locator79]

I did the same thing one early February day years ago. I can swim like a fish, no fear of water what so ever. But once weighed down with cover all's and boots, things change very fast. When they say " it can save your life". It actually can save your life.

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[need2befishin]

I am so happy with all of the responses to my post. It was my intent to encourage the wearing of a PFD, and many of you are going to do so. Thank you so much.

We all get complacent at times and that's usually when accidents occur. Your post has opened up some real-world discussion and may very well save someone from a tragic event. Thank you sir..

[Cubeice]

I wear mine .


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[Yak Fish]

As a certified diver with over 1,200 hours logged underwater, I'm very comfortable in the water. I also know the power water has and how fast cold water can draw the strength right out of a body. I wear my PFD every time I go fishing. They call 'em life jackets for good reason.

Jim

[lowe rider]

I was also one who felt confident in my abilities to swim and get back in the boat if I fell in. In the last few years I have began to be more realistic about how fast something like this can happen and have gotten a lot more safety conscious. I bought an inflatable vest and have been wearing it while fishing by myself especially in the winter months.

I also installed a 3 step boarding ladder on the stern of my boat. I got to thinking how hard it would be to get back in the boat while wearing winter clothing and figure it a good investment. If you fall into the water in the winter you won't have much time to get back in the boat.

[Gansett]

lowe rider is 100% correct. Such a ladder is a MUST HAVE. I could not get into my boat after my experience. Had to get it to the bank in order to get in. Sometimes the bank is too far away, thus need for a ladder. Thanks for posting lowe rider and continued thanks to everyone for all the replies. I feel like some people were helped through my experience.