Another accident without a life preserver

[4x15mph]

A sad tragedy: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/20...man-after-jet-ski-accident-in-delaware-river/

We never know what can happen on water and for that reason I am going to start wearing those auto inflate vests when boating and so will people on my boat. I think it is something like 80% of deaths on water involve people without a life preserver. I may be showing my age

 

[Gym]

A sad tragedy: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/20...man-after-jet-ski-accident-in-delaware-river/

We never know what can happen on water and for that reason I am going to start wearing those auto inflate vests when boating and so will people on my boat. I think it is something like 80% of deaths on water involve people without a life preserver. I may be showing my age

That's a good age to be @4x15mph.

 

[Andy S]

We had a drowning in Lake Murray over the weekend, http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article76590632.html . A life vest or floatation is now a must to go in the water. Drowning's are happening way to often.

 

[Gym]

I think this will, unfortunatly, be a long educational process like seat belts were back in the 60's unless regulatory reform kicks in. I'm glad, at least, under 12 are required to wear them.

 

[Julian]

I think this will, unfortunatly, be a long educational process like seat belts were back in the 60's unless regulatory reform kicks in. I'm glad, at least, under 12 are required to wear them.

I agree...boating safety does need some focus. For example...why are fume detectors not standard required safety equipment? Seems like knowing that you are about to ignite a BOMB would be a good thing to know....and the technology exists and has been around for a long time (will likely be mod #1 for my new boat)

 

[007]

Not trying to be an a-hole, but if someone doesn't know how to swim...why are they on the water, especially without a life vest?

Won't disagree with that logic, but the one guy might have died from cramping while swimming, currents can pull you under, and I've seen more than one person knocked on the head by a surfboard/ski/wakeboard etc.

Choosing to wear a life jacket is simple insurance. I'm a strong swimmer, but you won't always be 100% and you won't always know what might happen next.

 

[RightStuff]

• Kids under 12 (and maybe a bit older) - wear it 100%
• Watersports behind the boat - wear it 100%
• On a jet ski - wear it 100%
• Rough/inclimate weather/water - wear it 100%
• Don't trust the boat or driver - wear it 100%

Granted that means you are still taking a chance, but I would guess doing the above reduces the risk of drowning by about 95-99%.

 

[Andy S]

• Kids under 12 (and maybe a bit older) - wear it 100%
• Watersports behind the boat - wear it 100%
• On a jet ski - wear it 100%
• Rough/inclimate weather/water - wear it 100%
• Don't trust the boat or driver - wear it 100%

Granted that means you are still taking a chance, but I would guess doing the above reduces the risk of drowning by about 95-99%.

The biggest one I think that is missing from the list is "if drink on the water - wear it 100%". Most of the drowning's on Lake Murray are alcohol related and problem start with "hold my beer & watch this".

 

[MrMoose]

I agree...boating safety does need some focus. For example...why are fume detectors not standard required safety equipment? Seems like knowing that you are about to ignite a BOMB would be a good thing to know....and the technology exists and has been around for a long time (will likely be mod #1 for my new boat)

In all seriousness, no joking, wouldn't it be amazing if every boat had an ignition lock-out system that required a fume detector "ok" signal and a breathalizer "sober" blow?

 

[MrMoose]

Won't disagree with that logic, but the one guy might have died from cramping while swimming, currents can pull you under, and I've seen more than one person knocked on the head by a surfboard/ski/wakeboard etc.

Choosing to wear a life jacket is simple insurance. I'm a strong swimmer, but you won't always be 100% and you won't always know what might happen next.

I had a family friend who drowned (never found his body) in 5 feet of water while brushing down his hull at a sand bar on a weekday. He was in his sixties (retired), and the theory was that he cramped (history of back cramps), went under and drifted away, all while his wife was sunning herself in the boat. Terrible event.
Then there's this event where the passengers didn't realize that the boat had a testosterone injection system; it's hard to swim when you're unconcious:

I don't usually wear a life vest when I'm out because I judge that the conditions don't require it, but it took me about 1 minute outside of the channel during last year's Bimini trip to tell my 15 year old son to grab the life vests. We wore them for the whole crossing. Actually, I felt as if I should have been wearing a seat belt and a helmet too.

 

[MrMoose]

eh...fume detector maybe...breathalizer NO. If I decided to jig or bottom fish rather than troll I would never get the engine running again (neither would 98% of S. Floridian boaters)...I'd drift to the gulf stream and up shyt's creek. Coast Guard and lawsuit liability... Just my 2 cents.

Find a friend who doesn't drink and make them your fishing partner.

 

[MrMoose]

Knowing your local waterways is always key. I'm not knocking using caution and safety...its always best to be as safe as possible.

Not saying its the correct thing to do, but here in S. Florida I rarely (maybe 1-2 a season) do I see anyone (other than children) aboard a boat wearing a floatation device of any sort. Its just not practical. Heat, lack of mobility, hinderance fishing, hinderance operating helm controls etc etc. If your observing basic boating safety and are experienced 99% your gonna be ok. However, there are always the outliers/instances which are unpredictable anyways. Just my 2 cents and I'm sure everyone else has their 2 cents as well. Again, not saying I'm right..just saying how I see it.

I appreciate your perspective. Everybody uses their own judgement (as I do). Then natural selection takes over.