boats, safety, sports
Written for Panbo by Ben Ellison While Furuno USA had a lot to show off at the Miami Boat Show, let’s start with the new 815 standalone radar. Recent Panbo entries about Raymarine’s sleek new Axiom Series multifunction displays and Navico’s ambitious systems integration strategy drew some keep-it-simple skeptics.
Source: MIBS 2017: Furuno standalone 1815 radar, DFF-3D multimodal sonar & more
Large commercial hovercrafts are fast, highly maneuverable, can operate in a diverse set of environments and are extremely LOUD! But how do you drive one? This video from Apple Pi gives a good overview on the basics of operating a large commercial hovercraft.
Source: WATCH: How To Pilot A Hovercraft
Boating accidents. We all like to think they cannot happen to us. However, while the odds of a boating emergency are slim, particularly for those who follow the proper safety protocol, even the most diligent and careful boater can find himself or herself in an emergency. The difference between your boating accident being an inconvenience and a disaster is the difference between coming prepared and failing to do what is necessary to prepare. So what can you do to prepare your boat and your crew for the worst? Below are a few tips on preparing your boat for an accident—before and after you have left the dock.
Looking for high-tech, state of the art boating safety technology? Visit BeaconWatch today to learn more!
There are too many tragedies on the water as a result of people not wearing life vests. Whether you are young, old, a seasoned swimmer, or someone who has never swam before, you need to wear a life vest. Here are some tips to help you pick the right vest for your age, body type, and activity.
Finding the proper type of vest
Using the wrong kind of vest can be just as dangerous as wearing no vest at all. It is a general rule that life vests that inflate automatically upon immersion, and vests that are already buoyant before for hitting the water are best for children. Adults may opt for a lighter life vest that inflates manually, but in the event that someone is knocked unconscious in the water, a vest that requires no action on the wearers part to work is the safest for everyone. You should also consider what activity you need you life jacket for. An activity where you could become submerged quickly–like water skiing or canoeing– may require a move heavy duty life vest than fishing or cruising.
Finding the proper fit
You want to make sure that the vest you use was intended to be worn by someone your size. Usually, a tag on the life vest will display these details. After you find a vest that feels right, you must make sure that it can be properly secured onto your body. A life vest that fits properly should not restrict arm movement, cause shortness of breath, or cover your chin or mouth. It may take a few tries to find the vest that is perfect for you, but you should take your time to find the proper fit.
BeaconWatch is committed to facilitating water safety through a unique line of water safety products, such as the Onyx Deluxe Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket. Visit us online today to learn more!
For most of the northern hemisphere, the beginning of August marks the point in which temperatures slowly begin to fall. Of course, depending on where you live, you may still continue to enjoy warm weather and sunny days for weeks–or even months–to come. But for most, at some point or another, the weather will eventually change, bringing with it cool days, changing colors, and radically different water conditions.
Despite these changes, millions of people will continue boating both professionally and recreationally. Cold weather boating a fascinating and beautiful experience, but it does require great care and thorough preparations. Moreover, it is also advisable to learn about the potential effects that cold water swimming can have.
Cold water swimming offers health benefits
First off, it is worth noting that a growing alternative health trend–covered extensively in sources such as The Guardian, asserts the physical (and, for some, the psychological) benefits of deliberate cold water swimming. Though the evidence is still inconclusive, proponents of cold water swimming argue that cold water swimming:
The two important disclaimers that must be made: cold water swimming is not for those with heart troubles–and, once again, it must be carefully and deliberately undertaken! Here are a few basic safety rules for those who decide to venture into the world of cold water swimming.
Unexpected Falls Can Be Deadly
Because of the growing popularity of cold water swimming, it bears repeating that unexpected falls into cold water can be deadly. They can result in the victim falling into a state of shock, heart failure, stroke, hypothermia, and drowning. Should a fall occur, getting the victim out of the cold water is the first priority—the faster this is done, the higher the survival rate.
Safety Always Comes First
Whether taking a cold water swim or simply boating over cold water, the need for safety measures is heightened by low temperatures. An emergency locator beacon can aid in rapid response regardless of the situation—and can mean the difference between life and death. To learn more about emergency locator beacons, visit Beacon Watch online today.