Solid Signal and our Signal Connect division support National Safe Boating Week, which kicks off this year on May 16. The United States Coast Guard created this program in 1958. Its goal: To promote safe and responsible boating. Each year, it kicks off the week before Memorial Day Weekend, which is a big time for boating. One of its goals is to encourage every boater and passenger to wear a life jacket when they’re on the water. That’s something we support. Keep reading to learn why…
…Life Jackets are a Must!
It seems like good old-fashioned common sense, right? Unfortunately, some people continue to ignore this advice. This can be one of the biggest, most foolhardy risks they ever take. Don’t believe us? Talk to the US Coast Guard. Here are some grim statistics from 2017 that the USCG gathered:
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Where the cause of death was known, 77% of people killed in boating accidents died from drowning.
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Of those victims with reported life jacket usage, 84% of them were not wearing a life jacket.
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Eight out of every 10 boaters who drowned were in vessels less than 21 feet in length.
Wow! Those are some scary statistics, but you don’t have to become one. The way to prevent it is simple: Wear a life jacket every time you’re on your boat. There’s more to it than that. As owner or captain, you’re responsible for everyone else’s safety. That’s why the Coast Guard recommends you do the following:
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Have a life jacket for every passenger on your boat.
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Make sure you and your passengers actually wear them.
Add a Personal Locator Beacon
Even if everyone on your boat is wearing a life jacket, you still never want to hear the words “man overboard!” If you’re able to stop the boat right after someone falls off the boat at night? Ask anyone who’s ever worked in search and rescue about how hard it is to find someone in the water in the dark. Fortunately, there is something that helps rescue workers find people in the water. It’s the Ocean Signal AIS Emergency Rescue GPS personal locator beacon.
This personal locator beacon fits inside most life jackets. It goes to work the moment the life vest is inflated. The beacon’s GPS system automatically alerts the crew of the incident over the vessel’s VHF radio. It also tracks the person’s position in the water, which is a huge help to rescue workers. The device also has an integrated strobe light and other safety features. It’s well worth it to make the investment in something that could end up saving a life one day. If you have any questions about this device, give us a call at 888-233-7563.
Safe Boating Week Continues…
…Here at the Solid Signal Blog. Stay tuned for more tips to help keep you and the ones you love safe when you’re out on the water. We’d like to remind you that our Signal Connect division is a DIRECTV authorized dealer. They specialize in providing satellite TV to a variety of boat owners. So, whether you own a yacht or manage a fleet of trawlers, Signal Connect has the satellite TV solution for you. To learn more, give them a call at 888-233-7563. You can also fill out the form below and send it to us.
