Thom,

A legal PFD is required to be worn by children by state law whenever the
child is above-decks. Adults are not required to wear them, although it's a
good idea. Obviously, there are circumstances when wearing a PFD is a
greater hazard than not wearing them, but I would guess this is pretty rare
for a child, and I seriously doubt anyone would be cited in such a
circumstance. Obviously, climbing a mast it would be a hazard, but this is
not something a four-year old would be doing. I'm hard-pressed to think of a
situation where it would be more of a hazard than not for a small child,
however. There are several models of jacket which are legal for both
children and adults that work well in hot weather. It isn't up to the child
to determine when or when not to wear a PFD.

--
"j" ganz @@
www.sailnow.com

"Thom Stewart" wrote in message
...
Bob,

An approved, legal Life Jacket on every child under 13 should do it. A
life jacket Coast Guard approved on a kid under 13, in 90 degree heat
should make sailing a PITA for Kids. Should make them hate any kind of
boating. Less boaters===easy life for the Coasties.

Go watch the "Weekly Beer Can" races and count the crews with and
without Life Jackets. Check American Cup Crews, how many wear Life
Jackets? Even Coast Guard Crews in plus 90 degrees weather.

Hell, a man going up a mast to make repairs is a hazard wearing a LJ.

I'm not damning Life jackets; I am damning stupid Laws that are written
without making good sense. Written without any real thought of being
enforced.


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