A Stark Reminder

[shockley32]

What a terrible tragedy on Pomme Sunday/Monday. This fellow was out enjoying a wonderful hobby and it cost him his life. It is so important to wear a life jacket especially in the winter with a lot of heavy clothing on. Also very important to wear the vest when alone, just never know. I always try to take a buddy with me in the winter, cold water can get one in a hurry.

Here's a link to the story:

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/03/01/1780632/olathe-man-missing-dog-boat-found.html

Brad

[solus_vero]

How very sad. My prayers and thought go out to his family.

This story brings up a good point though. Always wear a life vest.

I can't honestly say I have always done this because I haven't. I find life vests too big and cumbersome to wear all the time. Yes, I put it on when the big motor is running but as soon as the trolling motor hits the water, the life vest comes off just because they are too big and bulky. I have always been a good swimmer but in the last few years I've put on a few pounds and the cigarettes have takin allot of my breath away. Besides, if the water is cold enough it doesn't matter how good of a swimmer you are. The cold water makes your muscles stop working and takes away your ability to breath.

I found a solution though. They are making new life vests that have a CO2 cartrage and inflate automaticly (or manually) when you hit the water. They are small enough to wear all the time you are on the water. Yes, the high quality ones cost about $250.00 but Bass Pro had them on sale for under a hundred bucks. As I see it, you can spend $40.00 on a pack of 4 life vest that are to large and uncomfortable to wear anytime or spend a few more buck and buy something you don't even notice your wearing, and wear it all day long.

I was on the lake last year the same day the 2 older gentlemen hit the water while trying to put they're life vests on. You may remember the story, 1 gentleman lived but unfortunately the other didn't. I only wish I had been fishing close enough to help them.

I made a new years resolution to wear my life vest 100% on the time when I'm on the water and advise anyone in my boat to do the same.

Here is hoping every fellow fisherman has a safe, fun and productive year.

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