ANGLERS: Life Jackets are a Great Catch!
Many anglers invest in small, easy-to-handle boats to get them to “where the big ones are." All too often, the boat is treated merely as a platform for the sportsman, and consequently, a weekend outing can turn into an unnecessary tragedy. A good working knowledge of safety practices for small boats will add to your enjoyment and help ensure you don’t become the “big one that got away.”
In California, fishing fatalities accounted for 16 (38%) of all boating fatalities in 2006.
- 81% of fishing fatalities involved either capsizing or falls overboard
- 93% of victims were not wearing a life jacket
- 50% of fatalities were alcohol related
As of May 2007, there have already been 12 fishing fatalities (of 21 fatalities, which is 57% of all fatalities for 2007).
Go home safely (hopefully with the “big one”) and wear a life jacket.
Today’s life jackets offer great comfort, ease of movement and style. There are a variety of options, from comfortable vest styles to lightweight inflatable PFD’s.
Visit the following web sites to find out where to go fishing, how to prepare for an outing or participate in a tournament:
