Should be worn in a canoe/kayak all the time!
That's the law in CT
But motorcycle helmets aren't required. Go figure.
I can understand where that is coming from, but I would hate to have missed out on all the many fun hours as kids we spent (living on a lake) flipping a canoe, swimming under it, and all the other things that we did, but would have been impossible with a PFD on...I would rather let it be up to the parents and individual than have another law... Like walking on ice, I don't want anyone telling me when I can or can't... This may sound harsh, but it is better for the gene pool in the end... Don't get me wrong, I wear a PDF when appropriate, often even when wading a big river, just don't think anyone needs to tell me, my kids, or grandkids when we need to.
Couldn't agree more. People should be able to make their own decisions regarding their own health and safety. Period. I'd also rather the police/government/etc focus on actual crimes instead of hassling someone who's not harming anybody.
I spent a good part of my life in Georgia, where there are no life preserver laws. The number of drownings was much higher than here. Often, drinking was involved, and that causes impaired judgment. Many victims I read about in the newspapers did not know how to swim; none wore a life preserver. One guy was on his truck when it rolled back the ramp into the water; he drowned less than 20' from shore.Yes, it was their decision. But preventable deaths also involve economic, social, and emotional costs. What about a mother at home when her husband decides his kids don't need a life preserver?