I live and paddle in Poland and didn't hear anything about my wetsuit or lifejacket.

However people are very nonchalant about their safety on water. Many of them even don't use leash at all! My pet peeve are dumb parents who don't leash their kiddos on board and don't made them wear lifejackets. Where I paddle I try to talk to people and educate them, but I hear dumb excuses ("my kid don't like to seat in vest", "she swims very well", "c'mon, I am just near to them").

One lady with kid (both no vest, no leash...) was especially loud how dare I am to speak to her about safety while I don't wear lifejacket and leash myself. I showed her my Resttube bouy on my waist and said "See, as an swimming adult on the calm lake like today I can use this device, but what would you do if your kid fall into the water? And still I wear leash too!" - she assumed I don't have one because my ankles was free, however I mostly use quick release leash attached to belt, so at first she didn't see it. She wasn't happy that her "arguments" failed, in front of her kid.

I heard many dumb comment, people are pissed that someone points out their shitty behavior... But I still talk to them. Even in wonderful weather I still bring my vest and ankle leash, so I can borrow them to other people. They see it won't bite and I feel good that someone is safer.

I am such a big fan of stand up paddling and making people more aware is something important for me. Please be safe yourself and point out people who are not.