update-missing boaters

An up date on the Sonoma coast lost fishermen.  Pay attention to the statement in the second to the last paragraph.  http://www.redding.com/news/local-news/search-continues-for-2-boaters-missing-off-california-coast
 

Gotta wear the pfd!

USCG confirms that neither of the recovered victims was wearing a life jacket

This is sad all the way around.

I know a couple guys that died in a boating accident years ago and while on a fishing boat in the ocean I still don't wear a vest.  I always do in a kayak but on a boat I just keep it available in case I need it.

Don't leave it inside where you can't get to it.  I have known several others who's boats sank.  And they said it just started taking on water and was underwater in no time. 

I have been out salmon fishing and don't remember seeing anyone in motor boats wearing their vests.  Are others wearing them or just keeping them near. 

I do attach a VHF radio and a spot connect GPS to my vest now.

The boat looks like it's been getting torn up for years, not days.  The ocean is a harsh environment.

This is sad all the way around.

I know a couple guys that died in a boating accident years ago and while on a fishing boat in the ocean I still don't wear a vest.  I always do in a kayak but on a boat I just keep it available in case I need it.

Don't leave it inside where you can't get to it.  I have known several others who's boats sank.  And they said it just started taking on water and was underwater in no time. 

I have been out salmon fishing and don't remember seeing anyone in motor boats wearing their vests.  Are others wearing them or just keeping them near. 

I do attach a VHF radio and a spot connect GPS to my vest now.

I too have never worn a PFD on a tin boat.  That will change.  From now on, when I go out of Albion in a tin boat, PFD and a dry suit, aka survival suit.  If my fishing partners may think that's strange, well, I am strange!  At least I'll have a fighting chance in the event of a major mishap. 

I have been teaching sailing for about 30 years now. One of my first investments was a North vest-=type PFD. Its got a half inch of closed cell foam  more or less front and back. Looks like a down vest. It comfy, has big deep pockets for warm paws, a high collar to keep my neck warm, and floats.  In my time I have leaned against, fallen on, been whacked by or stepped on by all manner of objects, people and animals.. and the thick foam has saved many bruises and abrasions. I've replaced it with equivalent PFDs over the years. Not

Many of my students have never spent the night on a boat. I tell them, if you arise in the wee-wee hours of the morning to look around or whatever, the current will be running up to 6 knots. If  you see me, I may not be wearing pants.. but I will be wearing my PFD...

Very sad....RIP...

Sincerely,

Jim

I always wear my PFD if I am on the ocean, period. Once it's too late, it's too late. Hated to read this story.