: I also usually only paddle local quiet waters and every time I wear
: one of the PFD's, no exceptions. You never know when something
: unexpected will happen and turn a quiet body of water into
: something far more dangerous to you or possibly someone else in
: trouble.

Yep, you make a strong point there, Bill. I have thought about the idea of a heart attack right when I don't need one or someone else getting into trouble and needing my immediate attention. That said, I am very careful, rarely venture away from shore since I am always snapping pictures of wildlife close to shore. Any time I decide to head out into the open and there is a risk, the pfd comes on. When the weather appears to start turning, I generally head to shore of don the pfd. I will have to review what I do and consider getting used to using it again. Getting older, attention span drifting more often...prolly a good idea.

Robert N Pruden