PFD Safety: Age vs. Law

[Descant]

When my friend turned 70, his kids gave him a type V PFD and asked him to wear it whenever he went out alone. (27' Eastern.) Following that example, I bought a similar type V and wear it in the smaller boats (19' and 24' and on larger boats if I'm handling lines etc. on the bow or side decks) All adults in the small boats wear a PFD of some sort (waist, self inflating, etc), if only to set an example for the grand children and guests where we may not be aware of swimming ability. If you hang around the Glendale docks, you will see many wearing Type V's including MP who are alone in the patrol boats.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Descant

When my friend turned 70, his kids gave him a type V PFD and asked him to wear it whenever he went out alone. (27' Eastern.) Following that example, I bought a similar type V and wear it in the smaller boats (19' and 24' and on larger boats if I'm handling lines etc. on the bow or side decks) All adults in the small boats wear a PFD of some sort (waist, self inflating, etc), if only to set an example for the grand children and guests where we may not be aware of swimming ability. If you hang around the Glendale docks, you will see many wearing Type V's including MP who are alone in the patrol boats.

I would not trust a waist belt, but I've been thinking of self-inflating. Have any of you had one inflate? How did it go?

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I would not trust a waist belt, but I've been thinking of self-inflating. Have any of you had one inflate? How did it go?

I have several for non swimmers (and me when alone late fall or early spring). Mine have the option of self inflating or lanyard. I will buy some new cartridges and test them this summer. I have never had one accidentally inflate