Beacon Watch

boats, safety, sports

Lifejacket

        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.

  1. Have your boat inspected regularly. If you have the proper knowledge to check all of the different aspects of your boat to ensure safety, do so on a regular basis. If not, it is possible to take advantage of boat inspections given free by the US Coast Guard.
  2. Have lifejackets—and wear them. Many people keep their vessels stocked with a good number of lifejackets—which is of course, at least as many as there are people on the boat. However, some people make the mistake of not putting them on until an emergency occurs. This can be a problem because many accidents happen too fast to anticipate.
  3. Tell someone, preferably a trusted adult friend or the crew at the local marina, where you will be going and when you plan to return. This will help people realize much sooner if you have become stranded or cannot return to shore for some other reason.
  4. Bring some kind of signaling beacon in order to help signal help if you are in need of it. This will help the authorities locate you and rescue you if an emergency occurs.

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Ocean

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.

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Boating is almost always better with friends—and if you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably considered boating with man’s best friend. Though some may be hesitant to bring an animal on board, the truth is that most dogs are capable of handling boat outings just fine. In fact, your pooch may enjoy the open sea just as much as you do!

[Read more…] about Dogs and Boating—Sensible Tips

 In the world of sailing, lifejackets are often under appreciated. They are unfortunately regarded in the minds of some as uptight or unnecessary devices; others see them as a precaution only necessary for children However, wearing a lifejacket is perhaps the most essential part of ensuring safety while on the water—for people of all ages. Unsurprisingly, a majority of drowning deaths worldwide occur when the victim is not wearing a lifejacket. Thus, in the case of a seafaring emergency, it is always essential to have the added protection of a lifejacket. It is not an opinion, but a fact: lifejackets save lives.

Lifejackets and Personal Safety

 In the event of a sudden vessel capsizing, a falling overboard, or some other aquatic calamity, those caught off guard without a lifejacket are far more susceptible to death by drowning than those outfitted with the proper floatation gear. Lifejackets help not only those unable to swim, but those who have been rendered unconscious or incapacitated by injury.

Moreover, it is sometimes necessary for victims to stay afloat on the water for excessive periods of time until aid can arrive. Even the most experienced swimmers will have difficulty treading water for hours without the assistance of a buoyancy device such as a lifejacket.

Additionally, it is important that any lifejacket fit properly. Lifejackets that are too large are capable of slipping off or onto the wrong part of the body while in water. Lifejackets that are too small may restrict breathing, or even fail to keep their wearers afloat in the first place. Adults must always wear adult-sized lifejackets, and children must always wear child-sized lifejackets.

Lifejacket Law

The U.S. Coast Guard has set a law pertaining to lifejackets that requires all children under thirteen to wear them while on moving vessels. Aside from this, most states have also set local laws. Check your state’s lifejacket and boat safety laws before boating.

Although most laws do not require lifejackets to be worn by adults, it is still advisable in most situations. Exercise common sense and be safe by at least having life jackets available to all passengers in case they are needed.