TCT fellow paddlers,
I have to agree with Bruce regarding PFDs. I also want to thank Rich for finding the rules of PFD use in both Ohio and PA. Although this may ruffle a few feathers of friends in the club, the PFD issue has troubled me since joining TCT a little over two years ago where using them while paddling on club-sponsored trips seems to be optional.
I've been paddling regularly since 1978 and have belonged to five different canoe/kayak clubs over that time. I also consider myself a fairly decent swimmer and have no fear of falling into water as long as it's not near a dam or into some raging rapids with undercut rocks and strainers. TCT has been the only one of those club where use/correct use of PFDs hasn't been required to take part on paddling trips, regardless of the type of water, flat or white, shallow or deep. Or maybe it is and the rule is no longer enforced.
We all know that we can sometimes get into precarious situations when we don't expect to and that we're always moving from shallow water to deep water to faster moving water to water that might be quite a distance from shore. And we all know that their is never enough time to don a PFD, zip it up, and fasten the buckle if we are not already wearing one in the two to three seconds it takes to flip a canoe or kayak. Wearing a PFD gives us one less thing to think about (staying afloat) when we do flip while we try to figure out how to get to shore and retrieve our boat and paddle, especially in water far from shore, over our heads, or in a fast-moving current. It's also going to aid whoever might be trying to lending us a hand.
(I'm almost done; is everyone tired of the lecture?)
Finally, I think it's important that paddling clubs set an example for good safety practices for others on streams, lakes, and rivers. And I think it's particularly important to set a good example for new club members who may have very little paddling experience. Imagine how tragic and embarrassing it would be if a club member (God forbid) drowned because they were not wearing a PFD. Today's PFDs are far from the uncomfortable "horse collar" variety that I remember using when learning to paddle. And this is just not me spouting off....wearing a PFD is usually
near the top of safety recommendations from my experience with paddling clubs and organizations. So I would encourage everyone to give the PFD issue some thought and do some reading on paddling safety.
Have fun, be safe, and see you one the river...
Respectfully,
JP