Do you always wear them?

[amanda]

Sometimes I take my life vest off while I'm rowing. I know it's dangerous, but there's something that is just so much freer about being without one. My siblings get mad at me, but I think it's okay. Who's right?

[OutTheBackDoor]

I don't ever go without my life vest. I'm too old to take chances now. I know it feels much better, cooler and freer, but it's much safer to wear it and live to paddle another day.

[Morgan]

Its better to be safe than sorry as they say. And I strongly believe in this saying especially when you do things that accidents are a possibility. Amanda's sibling is absolutely right about wearing a life vest even it seems that its reducing the freedom to enjoy the thrill.

[HillbillyMama]

Legally here in Oklahoma, you do not have to wear your vest all the time. You just have to have them accessible on the vessel. I rarely wear mine. I can't stand them.

[campclose]

I'm all about safety so I Never take it off. I usually have my daughter with me when I'm in the canoe or boat. What would I be teaching her if I took mine off?

Please be safe everyone, you never know when you will need it.

[2coastcamper]

I have to be honest, every now and then when we're paddling in calmer waters, I'll take my life vest off and wrap it around my lap.

I know ... it's bad. Shhhhhh ... don't tell my wife!

But I also go mountain bike riding, rock climbing and solo camping. All dangerous. You have to accept some amount of risk, especially if you have the personality I have. But ever since I found out I was gonna be a father, I've worn the life vest every time. I even bought a bike helmet. Gotta practice setting a good example. I'm still going solo camping when I can, though.

[jason]

I am bad about life vests. I will admit it. I should start wearing one now that we may have a youngin coming with us, and I should set a good example.

And congratulations 2coastcamper on your good news.

[ATVfan]

I always wear my life jacket. I value my life and will take the necessary precautions to be safe. I take out my kids with me a lot and what what that say to them. I am not wearing mine so you don't have to?

[Archer]

For safety's sake, you really should keep it on, but I can understand that in calm waters, if you are a strong swimmer, and there are plenty of friends watching out for you, how it would seem acceptable to go without for a while.

[Adventurelover]

If it is a calm area of water then yes I will leave it off and place it right under my feet however, if it is in an area I haven't been or the water is choppy then it stays on.