Boater and Fisherman input needed

**CloneIce** · 07-11-2011, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by bringmagicback

I think its a good law. I was on a boat all day and wore my life jacket the entire time we were out, about 5 hours. I almost drowned once and am now terrified of water w/out a jacket on. I get people think they are uncomfortable and hot but buy one that fits properly and is small and you wont even notice it. If you get hot, get in the water. I cannot think of any reason not to wear one (unless you are female, then id rather you not). To me its similar to seatbelts. never ever wore mine and then one day I took a header into a windshield now I have it on all the time.

I have to disagree with your mindset on this issue. Your point is that since you almost drowned once, and you don't mind wearing a life jacket, that every other boater should also have to wear one?

What about those of us who have never been close to drowning because we know how to swim, know how to handle a boat on a lake or river, and definitely mind wearing one for hours on end while we fish/boat?

This reminds me of how the Gov't made online poker/sports betting illegal... because so many lemmings went along and said "Well, I don't play poker, or bet on sports, so it doesn't bother me if the Gov't takes that freedom from those that do." The "if I don't mind it I don't care if the personal freedom is lost" mindset makes me sick.

**bringmagicback** · 07-11-2011, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by CloneIce

I have to disagree with your mindset on this issue. Your point is that since you almost drowned once, and you don't mind wearing a life jacket, that every other boater should also have to wear one?

What about those of us who have never been close to drowning because we know how to swim, know how to handle a boat on a lake or river, and definitely mind wearing one for hours on end while we fish/boat?

This reminds me of how the Gov't made online poker/sports betting illegal... because so many lemmings went along and said "Well, I don't play poker, or bet on sports, so it doesn't bother me if the Gov't takes that freedom from those that do." The "if I don't mind it I don't care if the personal freedom is lost" mindset makes me sick.

I will also have to disagree w/ my mindset haha. I hadnt really thought about fishing as i do the majority of mine on farm ponds. I will agree that you shouldnt need to wear one while fishing. Perhaps a better law would be if youve had any alcohol you should have to wear one? Or maybe some floaties?

**Clonefan32** · 07-11-2011, 09:46 AM

This is absolutely ridiculous and yet enough way our state government has overstepped its authority. If you can't trust your citizens to make a decision as to whether or not the risk involved with putting on a lifejacket is enough to justify being uncomfortable and sweaty for hours then by God lets start regulating more "risky" societal behaviors. Lets put in some mandatory prison time for jaywalking, or perhaps regulate car stereos to only play music quietly while a car is in motion.

**CloneIce** · 07-11-2011, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by bringmagicback

I will also have to disagree w/ my mindset haha. I hadnt really thought about fishing as i do the majority of mine on farm ponds. I will agree that you shouldnt need to wear one while fishing. Perhaps a better law would be if youve had any alcohol you should have to wear one? Or maybe some floaties?

Maybe in a boat traveling a certain speed? I just can't imagine sitting in a spot for 4 hours catfishing with a life jacket on the whole time. Or relaxing in a pontoon boat... no more women in bikinis sunbathing, now they will have to lay there with a life jacket on? Pointless.

**CloneIce** · 07-11-2011, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by Clonefan32

This is absolutely ridiculous and yet enough way our state government has overstepped its authority. If you can't trust your citizens to make a decision as to whether or not the risk involved with putting on a lifejacket is enough to justify being uncomfortable and sweaty for hours then by God lets start regulating more "risky" societal behaviors. Lets put in some mandatory prison time for jaywalking, or perhaps regulate car stereos to only play music quietly while a car is in motion.

I agree with what you are saying, but need to point out: The Army Corps of Engineers is not part of the State Gov't. Unless I misunderstood the article, this is a Corps decision, not the DNR or any other state entity.

**Clonefan32** · 07-11-2011, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by CloneIce

I agree with what you are saying, but need to point out: The Army Corps of Engineers is not part of the State Gov't. Unless I misunderstood the article, this is a Corps decision, not the DNR or any other state entity.

What authority would the Army Corps of Engineers have to require people to do anything? Isn't that why we have a representative government?

**besserheimerphat** · 07-11-2011, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by BigBake

Exactly why your opinion is meaningless.

That's awesome. Anyway, my point was that I don't really care one way or the other since I don't have a boat but I do know that today's PFDs are not all the big, rectangular, orange things they used to be.

**cyclonedave25** · 07-11-2011, 09:54 AM

Come on guys, this is still attractive!!

Bottom half looks nice though.

**Clonefan32** · 07-11-2011, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by besserheimerphat

That's awesome. Anyway, my point was that I don't really care one way or the other since I don't have a boat but I do know that today's PFDs are not all the big, rectangular, orange things they used to be.

I have no doubt they make nice lifejackets...for when you are being pulled behind a boat on skis. I don't care how nice of lifejacket they make, there's no chance its comfortable when you're sitting on a boat on a lake when its 90 out.

**Cutlass** · 07-11-2011, 10:10 AM

I don't boat on Red Rock, but do on Rathbun and other lakes. I fear that if it gets a foothold on Red Rock it will spread to Rathbun. If it does I simply won't boat nor spend money there any more. And goodness knows that area needs all the entertainment dollars it can get. Let the Corps of Engineers know this is a stupid idea by emailing. But be nice about it.

lakeredrock@usace.army.mil

**CloneIce** · 07-11-2011, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by Clonefan32

What authority would the Army Corps of Engineers have to require people to do anything? Isn't that why we have a representative government?

They have the authority over most rivers and reservoirs in our country. State gov't does not regulate most river systems within our country.

**Clonefan32** · 07-11-2011, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by CloneIce

They have the authority over most rivers and reservoirs in our country. State gov't does not regulate most river systems within our country.

I can understand them having the authority to regulate the lake and river systems to the extent they are qualified as engineers (i.e. regulating water flow, damns, levees, etc.). The issue of lifejackets is COMPLETELY a policy issue that should be left for our elected officials. Was it the DOT that caused seatbelts to be required? The fact of the matter is that the engineers should perhaps be more concerned with, oh, say, the catastrophic flooding going on our state rather than effectuating policy decisions meant for our elected government.

**cstrunk** · 07-11-2011, 10:42 AM

Terrible idea. Having to wear a lifejacket the whole time while boating would make me less inclined to go out. I would definitely go elsewhere.

**Clonefan94** · 07-11-2011, 11:10 AM

I think this would be awesome. To have it nationwide. Anyone on a boat has to have a life jacket on.

It would be worth it to see how the riverboat casinos deal with that.

In all seriousness though, I just don't get the over protection that is running amuck in our society lately. Kids, yes, but once you are 18 it should be your choice. I can't help but think there is alterior motives to this though. They either see this as agood way to generate some more cash, through tickets or a way to do more boat searches.

And yes, this will definitely impact recreational boating. I'm not a big boating guy as it is, but if I had to wear a life jacket the entire time I was on one, forget it. I'll stay on the land.

**besserheimerphat** · 07-11-2011, 12:23 PM

Again, I rarely go boating so I don't really care if this becomes reality or not, but there are lots of PFD options like above that don't restrict movement and still allow you to get 90% of the sun/breeze you want when you're on a boat. As for the ladies, tell them to wear this instead of a bikini top. Problem solved. Hell, give them enough beer and they'll probably let you inspect it for fit.