Why People Skip Lifejackets

Why don’t more people wear PFDs (personal flotation devices), aka lifejackets? It is a fact that most drowning victims are not wearing a PFD. We wear seatbelts, helmets when we ski or ride a bike (at least you should, my bike helmet has two dings in it from falls), and in general we are more safety conscious than ever before.

Here are a few possible reasons for not doing something that we know will make us safer:
* First, there is the expression of individual freedom that we feel when we are on the water. In some minds, it is a counter to all the things that we are told to do or must do, whether we like them or not. Not wearing a PFD is a manifestation of this thinking of “leave me alone to do what I want to do.”

* Second, there is the stigma of being seen wearing one when others are not. We would be very surprised if this was not one of the major reasons for not donning a PFD. After all, most people want to fit in with what others do or wear, and if others are not, they don’t want to stand out.
* Third, there is the comfort factor. For years, life jackets were horribly bulky, orange, horse-collar things that were uncomfortable and looked like they were only suitable for abandoning a sinking ship. No wonder people didn’t want to wear them. I can remember them being filled with cork or kapok. Definitely not ideal on a hot summer day. In fact, it was difficult to move around in those things, especially on a small sailboat.

Fortunately, we now have greatly improved PFDs that solve some of the above issues. New life vests are more stylish, come in attractive color combinations, are far less bulky and in most situations are not uncomfortable. They actually look much like a vest you would wear on a cool day, but with foam flotation as opposed to down or fiber fill. In fact, with the cold water we have in the early or late parts of the year they provide welcome warmth. For those who feel a life vest is too hot during the summer you can wear inflatable PFDs, which are becoming more popular every year. The next question is who should wear a PFD, and when? Assuming few people will wear one 100 percent of the time, this brings up another discussion. Stay tuned for part 2 in the next issue of RCR News.

RCR Yachts Inc

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David Hersh

10:55 06 May 24

I bought a used sailboat that was docked at RCR Buffalo from a private owner. Tearria and staff helped me from beginning through the delivery of the boat by truck with great service and patient helpI would recommend them to allDavid Hersh

William Lund

18:07 04 Nov 23

I worked with Mike Foley to buy a Tiara 3600 Open. Mike is exceptional. From day 1 to past the closing he far exceeded my expectations. I cannot say enough good things about him.

T P (Tominator 716)

02:55 12 Oct 23

Allison Corey

13:16 27 Jul 23

David Mead

00:51 03 Jun 23

Hank was a terrific broker, spent time with me learning all the features of the boat and did a very effective job marketing it! Personal tours and online presentations as well! Mary in the office made the paperwork easy and kept me informed in real time! Very pleased. RCR is very professional!

Jason Verrelli

22:23 08 Aug 22

RCR yachts in buffalo NY Unstepped the mast on my buddies 1986 Tayana 52'. The guys at RCR knew exactly what to do and they did it with no problems. The mast was removed in about 6 hours and they built a number of frames to secure it to the deck, we then traveled through the Erie Canal, down the Hudson, around Manhattan and back up the east river through hells gate into Long Island sound with no problems with the way the mast was secured. I highly recommend RCR in Buffalo NY, great bunch of guys.

Robert Miller

22:02 09 Jun 21

Quality operation in all respects. I began this season with a lengthy list of repairs and upgrades for my 20 year old sailboat. RCR was able to attend to each in a timely fashion with quality work and at a fair and reasonable price.As in all such instances, you get what you pay for. At RCR, what you get is worth every penny.

Robert Reifeiss

15:35 09 Jun 21

Purchased a used sailboat from RCR Yachts (site unseen...yeah, I know, risky), and from day one working with RCR and their team, the process went unbelievably smooth and easy. From providing answers to questions, to providing additional photos, to packing the boat and setting up a truck for delivery to Plymouth MA, I could not have been happier. The boat was as expected, and more.

Timothy Bain

22:15 08 Jun 21

My experience with RCR Yachts is based on the past six years keeping our first/current sailboat at their Buffalo Ship Canal facility. My wife and I have come to know the maintenance and marina staff very well as we learn how to keep our 1885 Catalina 30 afloat. We have been fortunate that everyone at RCR is extremely personable, vastly knowledgeable, and genuinely concerned with providing quality service with integrity. The facility is well run and kept very clean and accessible for their patrons with grills, covered pavilions, restrooms with showers, and parking to provide for those who choose to spent their summers on the lake. They have floating docks that are well maintained, secure, and very protected from the lake while still being just a few minutes from open water. I highly recommend RCR Yachts for any marina and boat brokerage related needs.