I must admit, it pains me to think that my fisherman doesn’t always wear safety gear on the water. Chris will wear an inflatable vest in Bristol Bay, AK (so he tells me), but while he fishes for spiny lobster in California, all I could convince him to wear was an EPIRB. (Which I admit is better than nothing!) But I realized I was going about it all wrong.
I needed to research and learn about the options out there and how they can assist with his fishing rather than hinder it or, even worse, make it unsafe by straps getting caught in vessel machinery. I learned there are MANY varieties of PFDs that can be worn in hot or cold environments – from icy winters in Alaska to the balmy summers of the Gulf Coast! More importantly, styles that can fit all body types comfortably.
The best takeaway I learned was this, and you’ll hear me say it over and over again: The #1 reason fishermen wear safety gear is….*drumroll*…because their partners tell them to! The 2nd reason? Because their kids want them to. It shows the power of our love and influence on our fishermen (plus the added peace of mind for fishing families, too!).
Seriously, pause for a moment and think about how much less you would worry knowing that your fisherman is protected out there. It’s a lovely thought, right?
We can make a difference by having conversations with our fishermen, and it starts with knowing all of the incredible products on the market for every body type, environment, and fisherman. We got this! Happy Boat Safety Week!
Check out our Podcast Show Notes:
Fun Fact: #1 reason fishermen wear PFDs? Because their Partners tell them to! ⚓️ (We have more influence than we think!)
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of commercial fishing safety gear with Len Nelson of Kent Safety Products, a trusted name in personal flotation devices (PFDs).
From engineering PFDs that balance comfort and protection to collaborating with fishermen and safety organizations, Len offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation shapes the future of fishing safety. We also discuss common misconceptions around PFDs, advancements in technology, and how wearing one can save lives, not just physically, but emotionally, for families back home.
Show Resources: KentSafetyProducts.com
Highlights: 🛟
- What sets Kent Safety Products’ PFDs apart for commercial fishermen
- The crucial balance of safety vs. comfort, and collaborating with fishermen to test and improve gear
- Recent technological advancements in PFDs
- Addressing the biggest myths and hesitations around wearing life jackets
- How Kent designs PFDs for hot and cold environments to fit any fisherman’s needs
- Environmentally-conscious initiatives in gear manufacturing
- Ways to try before you buy, plus grant programs for free gear.
Special Mention:
Kent Safety Products is now an official sponsor of the POCF community! Their commitment to keeping fishermen safe through high-quality gear is why we proudly partner with them. Shop now at KentSafetyProducts.com.
RESOURCES FOR POCFS!
⚓️ Your Home Port: pocfpride.com – The go-to hub for Partners of Commercial Fishermen (POCFs).
📱 Connect on Instagram: @megan.waldrep – Stay in the loop and engage with the POCF community.
💬 Private Group Chat: Instantly connect with fellow POCFs who understand your unique lifestyle. Click here to learn more!
📘 eBook – Survival Guide 101: The book I wish existed when I began dating my fisherman! Learn how to go from “WTF?” to “F*ck Yeah!” in your relationship with this helpful guide.
🌟 The Lighthouse Collective: A global membership space for POCFs to gain tools, resources, and meaningful community connection—available year-round. Click here to join!
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