I don't want to start an argument here but when you take the topic of a PFD
it is design in the case of an emergency to keep the vital part of your body
the head a float you can look at what if and different situations but to me
it is a good safety plan if you are sea kayaking and the surf keeps pounding
you under it will bring you back up. Canoeing it allows you to stay a float
in rapids to try and guide your way through if you dump and so on it is a
useful tool one for all intensive purposes makes sense but it is your
choice. All I am saying is it makes sense to use every safety feature made
available for this sport no reflection on seatbelt or helmets and chances of
things happening. Watersports are characterized by the danger of many things
but perhaps the most prominent is getting a lung full of water. When a
person chooses to take a course of action such as forgoing a safety measure
then that person should realize they choose to take responsibility. By the
way it is mandatory in Canada to have a PFD for each person, a throw bag,
baling device, a sound signaling device and a visual signaling device.

--
Abe Elias
Diving Sparrow Paddle Co,
http://home.cogeco.ca/~aelias