PFD should be within a handreach, period. I'll admit, they're not always when I'm out, but they're purdy close.
Prior to EVERY trip, I run a basic safety check of my boat and gear:
- Water In Bilge? (unexpected volume)
- Bilge pumps working (notice plural there...important)
- Batteries Charged
- Steering free, chock-2-chock
- Oil in resevoir (and extra on board)
- Electronics check - VHF - GPS - Lights - Etc...
- Kids in Life Vests
- PFDs for adults within quick reach
- Emergency Kit & Ditch Bag in reach (with portable VHF)
- A few other checks and wiggles, just to be sure
Takes me a total of 10 minutes or less, and the piece of mind is priceless, as anything can go wrong out on the salt.
Be Prepared...the Boy Scouts were on to something with that.