On Wed, 11 Aug 2004 11:22:22 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Wed, 11 Aug 2004 12:51:54 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

Could we agree on a compromise? Say anytime on an open deck, a PFD is
required in a recreational circumstance?

====================================

Not likely. I believe it should be a matter of personal choice or
left up to the discretion of the captain. It's true that preventable
accidents have happened (and happened to people I knew), but the
numbers are very small compared to automobile/motorcycle casualities.

Ah - so such things as seat belt laws, driving lights, air bags and
helmet laws are rational reactions to the amount of traffic deaths,
but PFDs are not a rational reaction to the stats on boating accidents
& drownings?

I'm not looking for an argument, I'm just curious.

Really.

I'm a firm believer in keeping the government out of boating to the
maximun extent possible. Every new law gives the USCG or your local
F&W enforcer another excuse to board you.

Then we shall agree to disagree on the boating PFD issue.

Later,

Tom