Seat belts, motorcycle helmets... now PFDs?

Status
Not open for further replies.
Dec 2, 2003
4,245
- - Seabeck WA
And jet skis,

This whole topic of government incursion into our daily lives, reminds me of a lesson from my high school sociology teacher. His point was that in a democracy, more laws free us to live without the interference of people that would seek to deprive us of our pursuit of happiness. If a law can't pass that test, and also be voluntarily followed by the vast majority of the population, then it's a bad law. Get rid of it or don't make it in the first place. The 55mph speed limit is at the top of the list. The war on drugs is not far down either. Mandatory PFDs would make the list too. P.S. Case in point, look back at all of the posts. How many were in favor? One? Two?
 
D

Dale Wilson

IDIOTS

Unfortunately because there are a significant number of idiots who don't exercise good judgement, there are bureaucratic idiots that think they can legislate it.
 
R

Rick Webb

Protect the Idiots? Won't Work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They will just make better idiots
 
S

Shawn

Mandatory for kids and jet skis

make them mandatory for kids under 12 and anyone on a jetski, but allow us people with common sense to know when to wear one. Why not worry about getting jet skis to slow down around marinas and stay away from other boats.
 
P

Peter Ludlow

No more laws!

Hre we go again - the Feds in infinite wisdom - actually responding to a few noisy people that want to feel good about regulating others want to require wearing life preservers. Why not let people decide for themselves as long as preservers are available they can wear at their choice. I can see a child under say 10 should be required but once they are educatable and able to operate a boat they should be able to make the decision. If not maybe survival of the smartest should prevail. My suggestion is get on your representatives cases and let them know no way if they want to keep their jobs!
 
K

Kenneth Craft

Spoke with a Coastie last night

I had the oppurtunity to speak with a representative last night about this issue. When I mentioned the proposal to him, he laughed and said the majority of our problems are from people on boats less than 21 feet (doesn't pertain to me, but to my friend that sails along side me, it does. I have a 22 foot boat, he has a 20 foot boat). The guy told me he hasn't heard of the proposal through the coast guard yet, but he'll look into it. And also told me that in our area State law prevails over coast guard, he used the child age limit for preservers as an example. The coast guard requirement is 13 for wearing a life preserver. Maryland state law says 7 and under. Because it is state controlled waters, Maryland law prevails, and an 8 year old can go without a preserver. Of course, if anyone has an 8 year old child, can you see yourself dumping them in the water and telling them to swim for it? (his words, not mine). Looks like this is one that needs to be watched closely. Things like this have a way of "sneaking" into legislature.
 
G

George B., s/v Freya

Mandated Equipment

Why is it that a majority of opinions are against mandated wearing, but no one seems to be opposed to the rule requiring the skipper to have them aboard? If we take this Libertarian thing one step further, why not make lifejackets the personal responsibility of the individual sailor and not the skipper/boat owner? That way the individual sailor can make his/her own decisions on not only when to wear it, but also what type to wear. If we are truly responsible for our own actions, why should a skipper be responsible for somebody else when it pertains to a non-commercial vessel?
 
D

DAN

WE NEED LESS GOV'T... NOT MORE

I AM SICK OF THE GOV'T STICKING THEIR NOSE INTO MY BUSINESS WITH THE "REASON" OF SAFETY. UNDERSTAND THIS... I DO NOT NEED THE GOV'T TO PROTECT ME FROM MYSELF. WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTION I ONLY NEED THE GOV'T TO PROTECT ME FROM CRIMINALS AND ATTACK. THESE PANTY WAISTED DO GOODING LIBERALS ARE GOING TO RUIN OUR WAY OF LIFE. SOCIALISM HAS NEVER WORKED IN HISTORY AND IT NEVER WILL. WEARING PFD'S IS THE SMART THING TO DO WHEN THEY ARE NEEDED. THAT DECISION RESTS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL, AND CANNOT BE DICTATED BY LAW. PASSING THIS TYPE OF LAW BRINGS ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO THE GOV'T (FINES) AND TO MANUFACTURERS OF PFDS. THAT'S WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT. IF NOT WEARING A PFD IS SO DANGEROUS THEN WHY ARE WE ALLOWED ON THE WATER AT ALL?!! THIS BILL MUST BE STOPPED. JUDGING BY THE RESPONSES HERE I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THE MAJORITY OF BOATERS ARE DEAD SET AGAINST IT. MAJORITY SHOULD RULE. CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATURE AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS NEW INFRINGEMENT ON OUR FREEDOM.
 
Mar 21, 2004
343
Hunter 25.5 Carlyle, IL
Water skiers, alcohol-related, out-of-control-PWC

How many drownings are related to skiing, alcohol, PWC stupidity or other activities that are either illegal or at the edge of existing laws? Should the Coast Guard focus on enforcement of existing regulations or should they create more laws that aren't adequately enforced?
 
Dec 6, 2003
295
Macgregor 26D Pollock Pines, Ca.
Bill, your last sentence says it all...

in that it has almost become the standard operating proceedure of the government to pass laws that are in the interest of the general citizen, then have little or no enforcement of those laws, thus 'creating' a need for even more laws until you get to the point that new laws are enacted that greatly restrict the very people they were supposed to protect. Two of the most obvious areas where this has and is occuring are guns and drugs. The gun laws do little to stop the violent use of firearms by a miniscule percentage of the population, but they have drastic effects on the vast majority of lawful recreational users. The drug laws are (arguably) even worse, especially when one considers the draconian prohibitions against the medical use of cannibus by patients suffering from serious and life-threatening diseases. It's a rather simple formula, pass a law to protect the people but don't enforce it, when the desired results are not forthcoming, pass another law and don't enforce that one either. Soon, you'll have all the reason you need to pass a law that encompasses EVERYONE, even those who aren't creating a problem or threatening anyone. It's a simple formula and they keep on using it because it works so well. Even worse, they have no qualms against passing laws that are in direct violation of the ultimate law of the land, the Constitution of the United States; which is why I'm a firm believer in 'two-term-limits'; the first being in office and the second being in prison!
 
C

Carl

NO Mandatory PFD ! NO Mandatory PFD !

I might buy the idea for children - similar to the bicycle helmet law but definitely not for adults. I aready resent having to wear a motorcycle helmet . I know its a good idea but I want it to be my choice - the government is already making far too many decisions for me !!!
 
E

ex-admin

Final results

Final results for the Quick Quiz ending May 9, 2004: The wearing of PFDs... 65% should be at the discretion of the captain 14% should be mandatory on all boats under 21 feet 12% should be mandatory on all boats under 14 feet 09% should be mandatory on all recreational boats 1,499 owners responding
 
M

michaelwjones@juno.com

Less Bureaucracy, PFD's Optional

PFD's should be worn when needed not when on a dock, boat, or water. Mature adults should remain the deciding factor. The USCG HAS ENOUGH TO DO WATCHING TERRORISTS. We already have enough law enforcement making money for the government coffers. The police and sheriffs departments locally are ticketing anything that moves. If it doesn't move, ticket it anyway! I work at the Hall of Injustice in San Francisco so I see it first hand.
 
B

Bryan Morton

My own personal mutineer

Our three year old son, Fletcher Christian Morton was sailing before he could walk. He loves being on the boat. At three he can already name several parts of the rig. We haven't taught him "sheets" yet for obvious reasons. He usually lasts about an hour or two befoe he goes below to dream of taking over command.
 
C

Craig Pollack

PFD's

I think that the wearing of PFD's should be left up to the discretion of the boat captain.
 
D

Dirk H

To wear or not to......

This is an interesting topic, where does government step in and where do they get off? For me in this case it is a little easier because it is in your country (for now!!). The real issue is here Who gets charged and who gets sued? It would be easy to say leave it up to the captain, but what if the captain would prefer and the guests, kids, friends, resist, can you set them off? Not till you get to shore I suspect. Everything is fine until something goes wrong , then who do you blame? just some thoughts dirk
 
R

Ralph McGraw

RESPONSIBILTY

I personally believe in the PFD's but I don't want a govt agency mandating that PFD's are required to be worn. We are suppose to be responsible adults. Let's act like one. And please keep in mind the safety of that other person who might have to try to rescue you because you weren't safe. Please have a safe sailing season. Ralph Wind n Wave www.windnwave.com
 
Status
Not open for further replies.