My
point was, and remains, they are not an important safety item for the
primary reason that they will not keep you on the boat in the types of
conditions you're referring to

John, you just said that the lines saved you from going overboard. No safety
item will save your life under all conditions. But lifelines can be an
important factor as you've just shown. You WERE conscous and the lines kept you
aboard. They've done the same for me twice. As I said, that's more than my fire
extinguishers have done!
Every safety item on a boat contributes and should be given equal care and
respect, from life lines to a flare gun. They are ALL primary safety measures.
That's a smart philosphy that every boater should follow. Anything less leads
to neglect and a level of safety is lost or comrpomised.

RB