FLOTATION: Devices can save lives

I have been fishing for 67 years. I have been fly fishing for over 55 years. In those 55 years, I have learned from personal experience that wearing a Person Flotation Device is required when I go fishing…or any other water activity. It is not optional!

I have been dragged under by the current, slipped on rocks, had logs break under my weight, flipped boats…been knocked in the water by a wave…the list is endless.  

I was on the Coeur d’Alene River April 26 and did not know there was another fisherman drowning. I offer my heartfelt condolences to their family. I am wondering if he was wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)? It would have saved his life.  

It does not matter what activity you may enjoy on the water…river, lake or ocean. It is imperative that everyone practices safely and wears a PFD. Or risk a tragic event. I mean everyone. I see the majority of people enjoying the river every year…and a vast majority of them are not wearing a PFD. That’s men, women and children…

My sole interest is to educate ALL recreationalists to take their safety seriously. I know PFD’s are not fashionable…floaters, they do not help you get a tan…rafter’s, are you safe on your floatie…drift boater’s and canoeists, think outside your false sense of safety…the list goes on, ad infinitum…

Last year we lost at least two water enthusiasts...this year, we have already lost two people to drowning. Hopefully, everyone will heed this message.

RALPH SHAY

Coeur d’Alene