I suspect many folks don't wear a PFD because they are uncomfortable. I tend to agree and that is why I went with an inflatable. After my recent "awkward moment" where I found myself most unexpectedly in the drink I can suggest their effectiveness first hand.

I always have it on and feel incomplete with out it on. Nice thing about it is I forget I have it on because it is so comfortable. I started out with a pull cord model. These are good but since I also use it on power boats I opted for a hydrostatic model when I decided that anyone on my boat had to wear a PFD so now I have 2. I wear the hydrostatic model whenever I am on the water. It will not activate due to rain, only water pressure will do the job. I have a mustang hydrostatic model and it is rated for offshore work with 35lbs of flotation. It is what the U.S. coast guard wears as well as many state DNR officers. Like I said you don't even know you are wearing it.

Price is a consideration. The pull cord models will run you about 100 bucks and the hydrostatic ones double that. The re-arm kit will also set you back. The re-arm for the hydrostatic was 80 bucks. They claim at least 5 years and there is a green circle letting you know you are good to go. Red is bad........

I had thought it would be prudent to have a re-arm kit with me but after becoming familiar with the model I have I think it not a must. The reason being is that there is an air stem that pops up more or less near your face when the breakaway zipper pops when it is armed. After letting out all the air to re-arm I decided to blow the bladder up and was surprised at just how few breaths it took. I'll hold onto the boat and blow it up in the unlikely event I ever dump twice on the same trip. Naturally it is a one way valve and needs to be depressed to release the air.

Anyway, this may be an option for some who, like me, detest the thought of wearing a bulky life jacket and probably would just set it aside. I was very glad to have had mine on as I was surprised at just how deep in the water I was until it inflated and popped me right up. Nice!

Preacher wrote on Jul 18^th, 2011 at 4:09pm:

Is it just me or does that paragraph seem to negate all the ones above it?

I wear my seatbelt all the time while I've worn a helmet just twice in my life. When I have my PFD on, it mean's I'm out of my comfort zone - afraid of what could happen. Buying a cycle is the first sign of insanity. Helmet, boots, leather to go with are only reminders that you are taking on a larger risk. Think of that next time you're in the shower. Got helmet? You could fall and drown ya-know!

Quote:


My feelings about PFD's are well known here. I respect other's choices even if I strongly disagree.

I have no death wish but my thought's on wearing a PFD have more to do with Preachers comment than saving my own skin.

I'd add this thought to his one. I would never want someone to lose their life trying to save mine because I got in a position I needed that PFD and didn't have it on.

A few weeks ago, 2 people drowned at the base of a small dam on the Huron River in Milford MI. Two high school guys in kayaks paddled up to the base even though the area is clearly marked as extremely dangerous. The got to close and were dumped and in the washing machine. One had a PFD on, but it wasn't fitted properly and was torn from him. The other didn't have one on at all.

There's a little park near there were people fish and picnic.
A 40 something local guy who knew the danger as he was an experienced kayak-er dove in and drowned trying to save them. One of the kids was rescued by other by-standers.

The selfless would be rescuer left a wife and children. The rescued teen lost his best friend and will forever have the guilt of knowing his poor decision along with his buddies cost one of them their lives and the life of the brave man who tried to respond.

That happens more often than not. Some brave soul dies, saving someone who either lacked the common sense to protect themselves or decided they would risk the odds.

Of course once in harms way, you never hear someone shout " It's all right, I'll accept the consequences of my actions, don't risk you life for me." More often than not, they're crying HELP louder than anyone else

IMHO there are things worse in this life than death. Living with the guilt of your actions or should I say non-actions would be for me, worse than dying itself.

Yellowbird wrote on Jul 18^th, 2011 at 10:00pm:

Heehee.  This illustrates the typical situation.  The older generation says, "Seatbelts?!?!?!  How dare the guberment force me to wear one!"  The younger generation says, "Hey, good idea.  A tool that lets me walk away from something that would kill the tool who rejects its use."  Occasionally someone demonstrates the need for the rule. 
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Heh, helmet in the shower.  Funny stuff db.  Completely & ridiculously invalid, but funny!


I think at the core is the misconception that we are only individuals.  That nobody depends on us.  That nobody cares about us.  That nobody would be affected by our untimely deaths.  Wholly solipsist & selfish.

M_M,

I get what your saying. I agree, nothing does take the place of common sense.

MI doesn't have any true White Water rivers, at least in the Lower Half. I believe there are a few in the Upper Peninsula.
The spot they drowned in even though marked as being a dangerous area and is turbulent compared to the rest of the area, still isn't what inexperienced people would consider White Water. Most flat water paddlers would never think it was so dangerous if not for the signs which are well posted there.
Like you, I also doubt the would be rescuer who died wearing the PFD was aware of what your talking about, or he wouldn't of went in there. From your post, it doesn't appear he was an " experienced" white water paddler but I don't know that for sure? Maybe being a Father he just acted on a parents instinct to protect a child.
I'm was not familiar with those conditions either, but your post changes that. I've made it this far in life by reading signs and giving them the respect they deserve.
Bottom line is the two teens used poor judgment and the brave but mis-guided rescuer payed for their mistake with his life.
I'd like to think that wearing a PFD is a sign that you have good judgment and think before you act.
  Your post proves that's only wishful thinking on my part as a PFD is no guarantee of survival in all conditions.
Still, for the vast majority of drowning incidents it's the prudent choice, especially so in the conditions we encounter in the BW/Q.
Now I know when to take it off IF I'm ever caught in such a predicament.
I feel the worst for the poor guy who drowned trying to help. I've been in that position in the Q, watching 3 guys struggle with only 1 wearing a PFD in turbulent/frigid May water.

I knew better than go out there solo but it took all of my common sense to control my natural urge to help someone that needed it. Thankfully in my story, they made it out alive.
Maybe they should mark the inside of PFD's with the following " No substitute for common sense".
Problem is 99% of the people who's lack of common sense/sound judgment got them in trouble would tell you THEY have it and put the blame on someone/thing other than themselves