Personal Floatation Device(PDF) recommendation for float tubing

[bigfly]

Russ, for what it's worth, I think a PFD is required in CA. as well.
Floatation must be carried....
A sheriff, in a boat cited a friend, here on Stampeed.
I bought the manual inflate model and have wondered about the auto model......
One good bonk on the head, and it's davy jones locker for ya.
I don't wear a vest on the lake, pockets on tube suffice.
Be heads up out there......

Jim

[Scott V]

A PFD does not need to be worn in California, but you must have one with you. Even on float tubes.

[bigfly]

Scott, who's going to throw it to you, or help you put it on?
I've had many close calls....I used to look for them....often.
Now I wear it (PFD) every time I go out.
Once the cold water gets you, you won't be swimming.....

Just called Coast Guard...not required to wear it, but must have with....
Placer Sheriff called back....CA. same deal, must have with.
Apparently the floaty seat doesn't count.


Jim

[FlyBum]

I purchased one of the waist pack models, but mine actually inflates into full life vest and you pull it over your head. I wear mine whenever I'm on my NFO Renegade, but If I get knocked out it won't do me any good though. Since it's a waist pack I've been considering using it as a wader belt too, because sometimes I wade more agressively than I should.

[Charlie S]

Good info here. I'm glad others chimed in (thank you Scott V and bigfly) with the CA requirement. I just looked up the law and there does not seem to be an exception for float tubes, kick boats or pontoon boats.

[troutfly]

Thank you all again for the wonderful insight and information. Looks like I will be searching out some type of PFD before my next outing.

Russ

[troutfly]

One last piece of information regarding use of PFDs in a float tube in CA. Per CA Dept. of Boating and Waterways it states the following (the last sentence is important to read):

"Float Tubes—A float tube is typically a nylon-encased rubber inner tube/tubes, or a
hard plastic tube, with a built-in seat through which the operator’s legs dangle in the
water below. Some have small gear storage spaces. A non-motorized float tube is
propelled by the use of swim fins, while a motorized one is propelled by an electric or
hand-pump motor, often with the additional aid of swim fins to steer and help propel.
Motorized float tubes are required to carry proper life jackets; non-motorized float
tubes are not."

This can be found at:
http://www.dbw.ca.gov/Pubs/Hunters/HuntersAnglers.pdf

I am not saying you shouldn't have a PFD, but in CA, for most tubers it is not a legal requirement.

[bigfly]

Russ, as with most things in life, there is the letter of the law and the spirit.
I just use uncommon sense, and get along fine.
It's kind of a sink or swim situation, when on the water....
$39.00 is what my vest cost (Camo too)...
Bought mine after I had a scary night fishing...two foot waves with teeth....midnight fright!
It wasn't like that when I went out.....
A ret. hwy patrol died the next morning, in the same weather, in a boat. (No vest on, and jibonked by swinging downrigger weight.)
(Took a while find him, and put folks searching at risk. I happened to be the last to see him........)
I mosied right down to "Sportsman's depot" the next day.


Jim

[gene goss]

Hi Russ....i accidently droped my co2 self-inflatable PFD into Lake Davis at the start of a fishing trip and was without a PFD the rest of the trip.....i now use a PFD vest, and it makes a great cushion for a lunch breaks or a nap.

[bigfly]

Gene makes a good point.....
The replacement re-charge for the vest was about $12.
I carry a spare....