Save your life; wear a life jacket when on a boat.

self

[Sun]

I don't know if all of the seniors died from drowning or hypothermia, heart attacks, etc.

[BlackVeil]

Very good advice.

Two years ago (in Australia), a father and son died at a lake near where I work. They were out on a boat duckshooting. When the news came around someone sighed and commented "I bet they didn't have their life jackets on."

They didn't, and the apparent reason was because they often went out there, and it was very familiar to them. So they forgot the risks.

Everyone must be reminded of the risks, like in your post.

[prion]

Well, not to be a pain or anything, but I was almost killed by a lifejacket. The boat flipped in place, and I was trapped underneath by the buoyancy of the lifejacket. I was saved by an airpocket, and the fact somebody noticed I was missing and flipped the boat back over.

Try swimming down and out in a jacket. Can't be done.

Safety equipment is a statistical bet, not a sure thing.

[VastRWCon]

while SAFE in air pocket, remove jacket and swim out under boat.

[HairOfTheDog]

Well, this will make for funny tan lines on all those people who take Caribbean cruises....

[Sun]

"They didn't, and the apparent reason was because they often went out there, and it was very familiar to them. So they forgot the risks."

Good point.

[Cagey]

I'm thinking of wearing an Air Bag while crossing the street.


Better idea. Have life jackets on your boat, tell passengers where they are located, and let any passengers know they can wear them if they so choose. Go over safety procedures before leaving the dock.

[Sun]

"Well, not to be a pain or anything, but I was almost killed by a lifejacket. The boat flipped in place, and I was trapped underneath by the buoyancy of the lifejacket. I was saved by an airpocket, and the fact somebody noticed I was missing and flipped the boat back over.

Try swimming down and out in a jacket. Can't be done.

Safety equipment is a statistical bet, not a sure thing."

Thanks for sharing your very interesting story.

I guess you have to go with the stats.

Also, some of these seniors were quite elderly, even in their 80's, and some had wheel chairs or walkers.

[MotleyGirl70]

In Wisconsin, by law you have to have as many life jackets in the boat as you do people.

I've never wore one in the boat. Ever try fishing with one of those things on.

I'll wear one jetskiing though.

BTW, can you post the link to the story if there is one yet.

[MotleyGirl70]

Better idea. Have life jackets on your boat, tell passengers where they are located, and let any passengers know they can wear them if they so choose. Go over safety procedures before leaving the dock.

Spot on.

[Sun]

In New York State, you don't have to wear a life jacket unless you are under 12.

They did have enough life jackets for everyone, but many did not choose to wear them. This boat travels VERY slowly, & no one expected this to happen. I believe the boat rode over a wave from another boat, when it was SLOWLY taking a turn.

I don't have a link to the story, because I heard it on the local tv and radio stations. Maybe I can find a link.

I think it will make national news.

[Sam Cree]

Maybe President Bush will ask Congress to pass a law requiring that everyone must wear a life jacket while aboard a boat.

[Sam Cree]

I guess FR is about to take a dive.

[HairOfTheDog]

I hope it has it's life jacket on ;~D

[HairOfTheDog]

It's been in Breaking News all afternoon.

Tour Boat Overturns in Adirondack NY Lake; Numerous Fatalities Reported

[MotleyGirl70]

In New York State, you don't have to wear a life jacket unless you are under 12.

Wisconsin probably has similar laws for children wearing a life jackets.

I don't have a link to the story, because I heard it on the local tv and radio stations. Maybe I can find a link.

This is a tragic story. I'm sure there will more information tomorrow morning about it.

[Sun]

Thanks for the link. It happened around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon, & I just heard about it when the local news came on at 6 p.m. on both radio and tv.

I figured it would make national news.

The seniors were from Canada, btw.

[Sun]

One man from the curise swam to shore and said that his wife had drowned. Very sad.

Prayers for all.

[Lurker]

Anyone not wearing a lifejacket while a watercraft is under way is an idiot.

L

[MotleyGirl70]

Thanks for the link.