Outdoors Question of the Week

"It's too hot.”
“They are too heavy on me.”
“I can't cast, they restrict my movement.”
“They look dumb."

These and other excuses for not wearing a personal flotation device or life jacket are probably familiar to a lot of us. But during a time in which few argue the benefits of wearing a seatbelt, I struggle to make sense of why PFDs are given lesser credence.

For instance, youth age 10 and under must wear a PFD while the boat is underway. While there must be one PFD on the boat for everyone age 11 and older, wearing it is not required. The only exception to this is that all riders on a personal watercraft, regardless of age, must wear a PFD.

So among adults, the decision on whether to wear a life jacket is left to common sense. Many people just assume that adhering to the law and having a PFD on board will keep them safe. Sure, a PFD for each occupant is better than not having any, but some scenarios really make a guy scratch his head.

The legal requirement could be met by a 20-year-old, too small, ratty life jacket with the strap broken and stuffing spilling ... and stored in a garbage sack underneath a seat. My point is, just because a PFD is on board doesn't mean it will save your life. You need one that is accessible, fits properly and is in good condition.

Next, I can't image many potential boating incidents which would provide the time to find the PFD stored in a bag or underneath a seat, and then allow more time to fasten it before you’re tossed into the water. Maybe we imagine the Titanic or some other slowly sinking vessel, when in truth most boating accidents are like vehicle accidents – from the time you realize it's occurring to the takes only seconds. Just think if you needed to dig your seatbelt out from in between the seats and fasten it before a car crash.

Here's a little test I use for boat and water safety classes. I place a regular folding chair in the middle of the room, then put a PFD under the chair. I'll use a stop watch and ask the students to take a turn sitting on the chair. The test is to determine how long it takes each to pull the PFD out and place it on or even just grab it. And honestly if you've ever taken a PFD out of the seats or a bag, many times the straps are knotted up or the PFD doesn't fit.

For added effect there's a good chance if a moving boat accident did occur the occupants would be a bit stunned, limiting their ability just to find a PFD to hold onto, let alone trying to put it on. Just like seatbelts, PFDs won’t do much good if they aren’t worn.

When choosing a PFD, remember that the old bulky orange PFD life jackets, while they still exist, are not the only choice. It's now possible to have both style and safety with lightweight designer equipment that works for many water activities – from jet-skiing, to wake boarding and fishing or just lounging around.

So as June begins the ever-too-short season for soaking in every moment of sun and lounging in and on the water, remember as always the only way to ensure an enjoyable outdoor excursion is to keep if on the safe side.

Doug Leier is former game warden, and current biologist for the Game and Fish Department. He can be reached by email:dleier@nd.gov