We got this email a while back from Gregg Keller in Ellabell, GA and want to share it with you!

Feb 16th I was fishing in a local tournament on the Savannah River. I was a co-angler (back seater) with another club member. The water temperature was about 52 degrees, and we were drifting with the current in the main river channel. At first light, the temperature had been about 40 degrees, and I had dressed accordingly in layers, as it was forecast to warm up to around 60. At about 11 a.m., I removed my Mustang Model 3087 vest and my heavy jacket. Just as I started to pick up my rod, I saw the vest laying beside my coat and stopped to put it back on.

Tournament rules require us to wear PFDs when the big motor is running, but not while fishing. I, however, cannot swim, so I generally have mine on. In fact, the reason I purchased the Mustang was due to it’s comfort level. As I compared it to a cheaper one the night I bought it, I commented,” Its much more comfortable, and I will probably not wear one that isn’t”, so I bought the Mustang. The current began picking up speed as we were approaching a railroad trestle. My partner’s boat was new and bought for lake fishing, and his trolling motor had too little thrust to deal with the river current. We too began picking up speed, to about 8-10 m.p.h. As I stood on the rear deck, we suddenly struck a submerged stump. The boat stopped, I did not.

I went head first into the swiftly moving dark water of the Savannah River. As I went down, the sound of the inflation of my vest was the first thing I was aware of. I felt myself being pulled to the surface, and realized the vest had deployed. When I broke the surface, my partner was screaming at me not to panic. As the vest righted me, I began to backstroke with my arms to try to get to the bank, but the current was far too swift. He finally reached me with the boat, and using his motor and trim, I was pulled into the boat safely by my partner.

As a non-swimmer, I can truthfully say this Mustang PFD saved my life. It performed flawlessly, and I was able to get dry, regroup, and we continued fishing the rest of the tournament. In fact, my partner took first place. Mustang took first place in my eyes! At the next meeting, I will most assuredly push for a rule to have PFDs required at all times, because you never plan to have an accident. Today, I bought a re-arming kit and its once again ready to go! You can bet I will never be on the water without one. Thank you Mustang, you saved my life!