Safety

[lhowemt]

I have a question on safety, I'd like to see what everyone else thinks, pros and cons. I've gotten a waist "rescue" throw bag, intending to wear it on sections where I'll be doing some scouting so I always have my bag with me, with free hands. I also like the idea of having a bag with me if I get separated from my boat. It has a rescue buckle, and I plan to remove the knob since I don't want a knob on anything except my PFD rescue vest. I'm not sure this is the best idea because I do want it to be easily releasable in a crisis situtation, but I don't want to confuse the two.

I've heard pros and cons about wearing such a device, and want to get more feedback. "never wear anything but your PFD" all the way to "great to keep the bag with you", to "the only safe way to go is naked". Sure, even chicken lines and oar tethers are an entrapment hazards, but one has to weigh the risks. One guy mentioned having one once open up on him while swimming, and the biner sunk and pulled out the rope. I don't know why he'd have a biner on it, I won't. Just a rope in a bag with cordlock, then inside a velcro pouch.

I really like the idea of it, and it is floating/static line so I can use it if need be, will also have a small hardware kit with me too.

In mellow water, I can just keep it clipped to my boat when I won't be scouting or there isn't a likelihood of getting dumped.

Thoughts? Pros? Cons?