Can we revisit the pre-emption of state law in 33CFR175 and the exemption for rowers in "racing shells?"
The cold-water rowing conditions in NY, CT, IL, IA and many other states are extremely dangerous, there is no meaningful way to distinguish between racing shells and recreational rowing shells, there are plenty of modern PFDs on the market suitable for rowing, and there is no justification for the federal pre-emption of state boating regulations in this matter. We continue to witness needless drownings because rowers are taught that they shouldn't wear PFDs and as the number of rowers grow we can expect to see more rowers drown in cold water until the regulation is amended.
Marc Messing
RowSafeUSA.Org
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Marc Messing
RowSafeUSA
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