I was thumbing through a buddy's recent edition of H*****G & F**hing N*ws (7-27 November). On page 24-1 there is a gentleman holding a nice Silver in a boat out on the Sound. In the foreground is a toddler without a life jacket!

Way to go... More interested in the fish and fishing than the toddler? I can not believe that was even considered for print! Thanks for setting the example...


Downriggin'

Let the Coast Guard know - perhaps they'll mail him a ticket

The lifejackets go on my boys when they leave the truck and they usually wear them back to the truck after fishing. If you think it is mean to make them wear them, think about the lady who was holding her baby, OUT OF THE CAR SEAT, while on the way home from the hospital who got in a wreck the other day. She didn't want to be mean to her baby either. Protect your kids. There are no second chances.

Andy

Don't forget the dock, too. I think that's the most dangerous place for accidental dunkings in the 45-degree water. Combine the slick surfaces with lots of corners and sharp edges, and you have a recipe for disaster. I try to keep the kids' jackets on them while we're goofing around at the dock.

Regards.

Finegrain
Woodinville

This discussion should be taken one step further and include adults. Many of us spend a lot of time on the water and accidents can happen quickly. 12 years ago I was hooking my clip to my long boom downrigger and slipped and fell over board while I was alone in the straits. My life jacket saved my life. I wear a life jacket at all times including washing the boat at the dock. I fish all year and rarely see adults wearing life jackets. A good life jacket is comfortable, warm, and could one day save your life. Give it a try, you will be surprised at how many people will compliment you for putting you and your families safety ahead of anything else.

a fair number of drowned fishermen who have fallen out of the boat have thier zippers down, were the life jackets, i now carry inflate vest for all people on my boat