Please wear your PFDs while fishing

[happycaster58]

We had three drown down here a couple w-ends ago.... As much as we want to have fun don't overlook doing it safely.....PFD's are a must.....

and use your kill switch with lanyard attached to YOU!

[Gansett]

Great advice. I have posted the following several times; but, it is worth posting again--in my opinion. Some Background. I have lived close to the ocean (in Rhode Island) when growing up. Could swim at 5 years of age. Spent 4 years in the Coast Guard and 19 in the Air Force. Owned a boat most of the time, except overseas. I am now 80 years old. So, about 5 years ago I was on the Alabama River, sitting on my front seat. I reached for my minnow bucket. The plate holding the seat pedestal to the deck broke off the deck. No more than 2 seconds later I am in the river. No problem. I start swimming up; however, I am going down because I had on jeans, boots, shirt. Still no problem. So, I kicked and stroked harder in order to reach the surface. Remember I said it took two second to land in the water? That means there was no time to get a good gulp of air. Now with what little oxygen I had, I am just about out of that necessary gas. Now I have a problem. I pictured my body floating down the river. Actually, it was quite peaceful. While I continued to rise in the water, it was a slow go. I desperately wanted to fill my lungs; but, I knew that would doom me for sure. Everything now was in slow motion; yet, as I said, very peaceful. I swear I was about to suck the river into my lungs when my hand broke threw the top of the water. I gave a last kick and stroke and the top of my bald head felt the air. Another kick ad I made it. So, where was my PFD? On the deck of my boat right below the pedestal seat. Fine place for it! Now NO ONE gets in my boat without wearing a PFD. The "suspender" type that automatically inflate. PLEASE WEAR YOUR PFD!!!!!

[Grumpa]

In 2 days on May 19th, it will be 40 years since my brother in law drowned. He was 24, excellent health but was not wearing a life jacket as his boat was slowly sinking and eventually flipped upside down. Witnesses say he never surfaced again after going under, a PFD could have saved his life.

[BobC]

You hear and read these horror stories all the time. As you guys say, get an inflatable if the other style isn’t comfortable.
Bob

[DockShootinJack]

The inflatables are much cooler in the summer