For years, leading manufacturers in the go-fast boating world have made it their strict policy to make PFD use mandatory during all of their photo-shoots and videos. Some even include PFDs with every new boat they sell.
Likewise organizations such as the Florida Powerboat Club, Fort Myers Offshore and other event-organizing entities have made PFD usage a matter of policy for years.
And PFD “usage” that means wearing them—not having them on board—when a boat is underway above idles speed.
Now it’s our turn to act.
Starting today, Speedonthewater.com and Powerboatnation.com will not publish photos of boats running above idle-speed during the events we cover or anywhere else unless everyone on board is wearing a PFD.
Though for years we have tried to use photos in which all occupants in boats traveling at speed are wearing PFDs, that has not always been the case because—frankly—such photos have not always reflected reality. PFD usage is not universally mandated by law. Wearing them has long been a matter of personal choice.
Likewise, the choice of photos we publish is ours. No PFDs while a boat is running above idle speed, no photo on this media platform. No exceptions.
Yes, that will make our job harder. But so what? Anything worth doing takes effort.
Our reason is simple: We would like an activity and industry to cover now and in the future. PFD usage does not guarantee survival in the event of an accident. It does, however, improve the odds. That isn’t a matter of opinion. It’s a matter of fact.
We know and accept that some readers will bristle at this decision. They can choose otherwise. That’s up to them.
But it is a choice that we can no longer support through our coverage.
May your 2026 boating season be bright and joyful. And as safe as it can possibly be.