While not using a canoe or kayak, quick PFD story from last year:
With my first boat purchase ever (from a Fish & Game guy no less), on the first day up at Attitash, I was there with my family putting in. Wouldn't you know it? The EP pulled up! This is of course right after I had to pull out the boat because I forgot "the plug" (damn rookies). He didn't care about my license (which I had), just the safety equipment in the boat, which I had, including PFD's for all four of us, and the kids did have theirs on.
I never saw The EP the rest of the year in my neck of the woods. However, I do recall when I drove out West to buy my boat and subsequently register in Worcester, I've never seen so many EP, they were everywhere!
Even if you're not going to wear it, have it with you. The Environmental Police will not let you launch without the adequate amount of pfd's to people if they are there. I've seen them first hand turn people away right at the ramp!
I have to admit, I rarely wear mine though it's always in the kayak. At this point the water is 50+ deg. It really just depends on each individuals comfort level. I was fishing a couple weeks ago with another guy who flipped his kayak in 41 deg water. He gathered his floating stuff, laughed for a bit, then hopped back on after a couple min and continued fishing. Really not a big deal. I just don't like the pfd police any more than I would take kindly to someone pulling beside me and telling me to put on my seatbelt.
I'm not endorsing not wearing one, things can happen, better safe that sorry. This is ma not nh, but live free or die isn't a bad way to live.
I have to admit, I rarely wear mine though it's always in the kayak. At this point the water is 50+ deg. It really just depends on each individuals comfort level. I was fishing a couple weeks ago with another guy who flipped his kayak in 41 deg water. He gathered his floating stuff, laughed for a bit, then hopped back on after a couple min and continued fishing. Really not a big deal. I just don't like the pfd police any more than I would take kindly to someone pulling beside me and telling me to put on my seatbelt.
I'm not endorsing not wearing one, things can happen, better safe that sorry. This is ma not nh, but live free or die isn't a bad way to live.