When small kids start their sailing lessons, one of the first drills is capsizing and righting an Optimist in the swiming pool. About the same time, there is another drill that is very usefull: each kid must float in the deep part of the pool as long as he/she can, without touching the bottom or borders, until he/she gets tired enough to worry about safety. Then a PFD is thrown and he/she wears it to find how safer and easier it is to float with its aid.

The idea is to provides them a similar "moment of clarity" in a less risky environment - and if a PFD may be necessary in a swimming pool, they can easily figure out how important it is "out there" with waves, boats, etc.

On the same subject: now that inflatable PFDs are available, the comfort improved substantially and old bad habits missed an important excuse. I wonder when an integral trapeze harness/inflatable PFD will finally be available. Ideally, it should come with wire cutter, knife and waterproof radio already clipped

Take care,
Luiz