08-26-2004, 12:41 AM
[size 2]PIERRE, S.D. - Game, Fish and Parks officials say two hunter and angler focus groups commissioned by the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water recently revealed the top three reasons why sportsmen don't wear life jackets while boating--and why some choose to.[/size]
[size 2]"According to BoatU.S. officials, the number one reason for not wearing a life jacket was lack of comfort," said GFP Boating Safety Specialist Al Bahe. "Hunters and anglers feel that life jackets are too hot, too uncomfortable, and too bulky. What is surprising, however, is their low awareness of the new class of lightweight, comfortable inflatable life jackets that are U.S. Coast Guard approved and have been on the market for several years now. Apparently, many sportsmen still see life jackets as those boxy orange foam ones they wore as kids."[/size]
[size 2]Bahe noted that inflatable life jackets, which weigh as little as 13 ounces, come in camouflage and nautical colors, yet provide more buoyancy when inflated than a traditional foam-filled jacket. "Manufacturers have succeeded in creating styles that do not interfere with shooting or casting," Bahe said.[/size]
[size 2]The second most common reason for not wearing a jacket was that hunters and anglers rarely see professionals on TV wearing their life jackets. "Though it is believed that the media should lead by example," Bahe said, "a number of hunting and fishing shows do not always treat life jackets the same as home improvement shows, which routinely depict use of all proper safety equipment."[/size]
[size 2]The third most common reason for not wearing a life jacket was that sportsmen feel comfortable with their swimming ability--a dangerous mistake that has led to many deaths.[/size]
[size 2]So why do some hunters and anglers choose to wear a jacket? A close call on the water by a friend or family member was the number one reason given in the BoatU.S study. "Sometimes it takes a truly-frightening event for a boater to understand the importance of wearing a life jacket," Bahe said. "It's like wearing a seat belt. It isn't going to help you after tragedy strikes."[/size]
[size 2]The second reason to wear a life jacket was to present a positive role model for children or grandchildren. The third reason given was that it's simply a common sense precaution.[/size]
[size 2]The studies and subsequent analysis were conducted in Spring 2004 by the research and polling organization Responsive Management. The Sportsman's Forum performs research and education campaigns on safe boating through a U.S. Coast Guard grant, funded by the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund.[/size]
[size 2]For more information, visit BoatU.S. online at [#0000ff]http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation[/#0000ff].[/size]
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[size 2]"According to BoatU.S. officials, the number one reason for not wearing a life jacket was lack of comfort," said GFP Boating Safety Specialist Al Bahe. "Hunters and anglers feel that life jackets are too hot, too uncomfortable, and too bulky. What is surprising, however, is their low awareness of the new class of lightweight, comfortable inflatable life jackets that are U.S. Coast Guard approved and have been on the market for several years now. Apparently, many sportsmen still see life jackets as those boxy orange foam ones they wore as kids."[/size]
[size 2]Bahe noted that inflatable life jackets, which weigh as little as 13 ounces, come in camouflage and nautical colors, yet provide more buoyancy when inflated than a traditional foam-filled jacket. "Manufacturers have succeeded in creating styles that do not interfere with shooting or casting," Bahe said.[/size]
[size 2]The second most common reason for not wearing a jacket was that hunters and anglers rarely see professionals on TV wearing their life jackets. "Though it is believed that the media should lead by example," Bahe said, "a number of hunting and fishing shows do not always treat life jackets the same as home improvement shows, which routinely depict use of all proper safety equipment."[/size]
[size 2]The third most common reason for not wearing a life jacket was that sportsmen feel comfortable with their swimming ability--a dangerous mistake that has led to many deaths.[/size]
[size 2]So why do some hunters and anglers choose to wear a jacket? A close call on the water by a friend or family member was the number one reason given in the BoatU.S study. "Sometimes it takes a truly-frightening event for a boater to understand the importance of wearing a life jacket," Bahe said. "It's like wearing a seat belt. It isn't going to help you after tragedy strikes."[/size]
[size 2]The second reason to wear a life jacket was to present a positive role model for children or grandchildren. The third reason given was that it's simply a common sense precaution.[/size]
[size 2]The studies and subsequent analysis were conducted in Spring 2004 by the research and polling organization Responsive Management. The Sportsman's Forum performs research and education campaigns on safe boating through a U.S. Coast Guard grant, funded by the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund.[/size]
[size 2]For more information, visit BoatU.S. online at [#0000ff]http://www.BoatUS.com/Foundation[/#0000ff].[/size]
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