wrote in message
ups.com...
The guy without the pfd probably used up too much body heat trying to
stay afloat.
Even with a full fledged response within 4 minutes of the report, our
cold PACNW waters claimed another life. Always a sad and tragic event.
Wonder if he said, "I'm willing to bet my life I won't need a pfd
today!"?

When sailing cold or rough waters and I'm the only one who can make a quick
COB recovery, I wear a tether. I always wear a pfd when there's any doubt
about someone recovering me. I will leave the pfd in the cockpit when
sailing warm weather, warm calm water and I've got good crew on board.

The USCG tells us over and over how many lives can be saved if pfd's were
worn and alcohol were saved for the end of the day. My fear of drowning
motivates me to wear safety gear; what motivates people to not wear safety
gear?

Cold water and bravado or machismo or fashion concerns don't mix.