12-18-2020, 07:01 PM
Boveineowner--I appreciate that you're an ice rescue member, but I do believe your PFD warning to ice fishers doesn't make sense...Somebody on Fat Biker's report site correctly stated that any active fisherman, hunter, camper, hiker, biker, swimmer, etc. etc. .... anyone... that is ACTIVELY taking part in outdoor activities....is taking a chance...the more we ACTIVELY take part in any of our chosen activities, the more chance of some type of 'incident'...do most climbers have serious safety gear in case of a slip or fall? Should they not go? Kayakers and canoeists have tipped or could tip due to circumstances, but should have PFDs..they are taking a chance..Should they not go? A Summer boat fisher takes a calculated risk each time the boat is launched, and the Captain is even responsible for each passenger...they are required (and smart) to have those PFDs, and a fire extinguisher, and a horn, and a bailer,etc..Does that mean they are expecting to capsize, have a man overboard, or catch fire? or Should they not go? Of course the early ice fishers are taking more of a chance than others; it's a risk they are willing to take, but they/we need any/all safety gear to be prepared for any type of 'incident'..and I do like GoneForever's additional advice of a 50' rope tied around and trailing behind you....If a biker 'needs' to wear leather and a helmet, Should they just not go?....There will always be 'early ice' fishers; I'm not saying that's good or bad, but I do say they/we should be smart and have any/all safety gear..including PFDs..to be prepared for any incident, from a cut finger, to falling through....good luck at Strawberry this Winter, and look out for those unexpected pressure ridges....Guluk...