Photo Courtesy ND Game and Fish Department

North Dakota Outdoors - Boating Safety

By Doug Leier, North Dakota Game and Fish Department

May 26, 2004 - In this day and age it's a habit for most of us to secure ourselves with a seatbelt after entering a car. So why is it that few people take a similar precaution and put on a life jacket after getting into a boat?

Sure, over the years legislation has mandated seatbelts and child safety restraints, but in the name of saving lives, seatbelts have become a way of life for most people.

I remember as a teenager when it wasn't cool to wear a seatbelt. My buddies would put the shoulder belt underneath their arm, so nobody outside the vehicle could see they were wearing a seatbelt.

I can't help but think how dumb that was. And for some reason, wearing a personal floatation device or lifejacket was just as uncool. While attitudes toward seatbelts have shifted, the "it-won't-happen-to-me" mindset still prevails among boaters, despite a new era of modern and comfortable PFDs.

My first official day as a state game warden was spent on beautiful Lake Metigoshe north of Bottineau, in north central North Dakota. That exact moment in time remains etched in my memory. A call came in about a boat that had beached in a wooded, hard to reach location.

Upon arrival I found two young parents tending to a newborn baby who didn't have any type of PFD. The baby was in a car seat and thankfully all was fine, aside from the boat, which came to rest up a steep wooded incline, indicating a lack of attention while operating the vessel. I still to this day think of how haunting the memory would've been had the car seat been jolted out of the boat and into the lake.

For several years I checked boats and watercraft and was continually disappointed in compliance with PFD laws, especially the one that applies to children.

While only youngsters 10 and under must be wearing a Coast Guard approved PFD while in a boat, the common response was, "I couldn't find one that fits," or "it was too hot to put them in a PFD." While politely replying that the law requires youngsters to wear PFDs, I was always reminded of what could have happened if that baby in the carseat had accidentally wound up in the lake.

I can't recall any excuse for which I was sympathetic, as the law is intended to help children who aren't able to make decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, many adults who love and care for them are all too willing to sacrifice comfort for safety. If you don't have a PFD that fits your child, or it's too hot for them to wear it, stay on shore.

As part of National Boat and Water Safety week May 22-28, I urge you to wear your PFD while on the water. And take a moment to check over your PFDs to make sure all the snaps, buttons, ties and zippers are functional. Check to see they are stamped with the approval from the U.S. Coast Guard and in good working condition.

Even if you have to spend a few extra dollars, buy a PFD that fits your activity. You may be surprised at the selection of PFDs made to add comfort and safety for all water recreation activities.

PFDs offer little assistance when stored in a bag, used as a cushion, or tucked away in a storage area. If you're lucky, you'll never have to depend on it, which goes the same for a seatbelts.

I've taught many boat and water safety courses over the years and a question I get time and again is, "which is the best PFD to purchase?" My answer is always the same: Buy one that you'll wear.

Leier is a biologist and boat and water safety instructor for the Game and Fish Dept. He can be reached by email. dleier@state.nd.us