Please read the whitepaper found at the link below before voting in this poll.
LIFEJACKET REFORMS
Background
The primary purpose of any lifejacket is to increase safety. They assist the wearer to float – and ultimately can prevent them from drowning. For this to be achieved the lifejacket must be:
• the correct type for the situation
• the right size
• correctly maintained
• accessible, and
• worn.
Simply carrying lifejackets on board vessels does not save lives because capsize, man-overboard, or other unexpected situations occur suddenly and without warning. Locating and donning lifejackets once in the water can be difficult or impossible, depending on the experience of those involved and other factors such as current, wave action and/or water temperature.
Wearing a lifejacket does not always prevent a fatality, but even when it doesn't it can help with the recovery operation and reduce risk for emergency services. An early recovery also reduces distress for the family and friends of a missing person.
There are many factors that contribute to a boating fatality and it is impossible to conclude absolutely that wearing a lifejacket would save a person's life in the event of a boating incident. However, there is an international consensus amongst boating safety organisations that a person's chance of survival can be dramatically increased.
Please add any constructive comments as the results of this poll will be sent to Maritime and relevant bodies. I will also be requesting that fishraider members be involved in any future public consultation.
mrsswordfisherman