[Phantom]

First off -- I am a strong proponent for Life Jackets on children 12 & younger and I'm sure I'll take a lot of "bullets" from the forum for that.

It has always amazed me that NH has had it's mandatory Life Jacket age so low in years past. The rational of the proposed update may be as innocuious as getting the State more in line with the majority of the rest of the States (i.e. seat belt law's). Remember we all say there should be "one" boating licence good for all states? Well then the Laws need to be more uniform.


I also believe many times these (and other) Laws are put in place to protect the ones who travel with an Angel on their shoulder (i.e. the Idiots). Consider a bow rider, 2 or 3 ten year olds -- naturally goofing around -- then you enter the Broads with 3 foot swells and some cross-chop for good measure. I'm personally happy as #ell that I don't have to argue with the kids that "now it's time to put on your jackets" ........ ! We come from Mass -- every child under 12 has always worn a PFD in our boat. And quite frankly, if it's a Toddler -- they get jacketed "on the dock" - I've seen enough adults slip and take a dip getting in or out of a boat - I sure as heck don't want a 5 or 6 yr old down there. Makes for a bad boating day.

I know NH loves to live by the "Live Free or Die" motto -- and I commend that -- but come on -- we're talking common sense here, and child safety. If the parent isn't smart enough to require it -- the State does!! Similar to the requirements before and after getting a drivers license for teenagers (who know and are experts in everything).