Safety first, always

[chrisings]

Hey folks,

I just read some saddening news that I do not want to get specific with.

I do however want to remind everyone that children should always wear a PFD when around a boat, if they can swim or not. Our local state law requires that any child under the age of 12 MUST wear a PFD unless below decks.

We had a rule with our children, their PFDs stayed in the car and they had to wear them when going down the dock. Got to the point were it was an automatic thing. Now, our grandson follows that same rule.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Good point and a good reminder. Gotta add, though, in your picture, you are NOT setting a good example. In our nanny-state of California they want everyone in a dinghy to WEAR a PFD. Instead of "making our kids do what we say not what we do" we just wore 'em all the time and so did they. Never an issue.

 

[chrisings]

Good point and a good reminder. Gotta add, though, in your picture, you are NOT setting a good example. In our nanny-state of California they want everyone in a dinghy to WEAR a PFD. Instead of "making our kids do what we say not what we do" we just wore 'em all the time and so did they. Never an issue.

I knew someone would call me on that. Actually, I am sitting on a throw-able which is acceptable in our local waters. You will note my daughter is wearing her's so I guess the lesson stuck. (with her at least)

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Happened fairly close to me. VERY very tragic for the parents. Has to be THE absolutely worst whatever that can happen- to lose a child

BUT-Texas law says any child under 12 MUST have a PFD on from the edge of the shore. When I had little ones, they put them on BEFORE they stepped on the dock. They could take them off inside the cabin, but they went back on at the companionway

 

[Bill19233]

I was on D dock working on my boat, it happened on H dock. I didn't know anything was going on, a couple police showed up about six as I was leaving,
I can in no way imagine how he feels, every father's worst nightmare. I've been sad and anxious all day knowing it happened so close. There are always small children on the docks without life jackets, I will say something to parents from now on when I see it again. We always are waiting in the parking lot with life jackets when we have guests with small children

 

[BayMan]

All the guys I sail with have the same rule: pfd worn by everyone all the time no exceptions. Get a good comfy one and you won't even mind. But I still refuse to wear a bicycle helmet.

 

[Kermit]

I *always* wear mine. Like seatbelts, I don't feel comfortable without it.