Florida Tradgedy

[Maritime Matt]

I don't really know how to figure this one out.
Everytime a tragedy on the water happens, it really makes me think. How? Why?
First, my heart goes out to there families.
Second, how did this happen and how can we try to prevent this?
I don't have all the answers, but do alot of reading on safety. But do I practice it? Not as much as I should.
What was lacking here?
We can have all the safety gear possible on board but how do we react at a time of a crisis?
We spend hundreds and thousands on boats, motors,electronics, rods and reels etc.
Where is the best place for your ditch bag, hopefully loaded with all the proper gear if that boat does capsize or sink?
Attach a floating line to it was my thought.
Inflateable life jackets
Epirbs, Plb's, Handheld vhf and gps units, Flares, fresh water, to name a few.
None of these is a guarantee to save your life but a combination of a few very well will increase your chances and just might.
Something to think about. I know I will.
The season is around the corner. Be safe out there. Capt.Matt

[Pfishingruven]

Great info to think about!  It is amazing how people will skip the item that may save their life, but spend $1000 on a rod and reel setup !

 

[Bucktail]

Great post Matt.  First reports are that the boaters in Florida were able to get their PFDs on.  But the ones who were lost took them off (possibly in a delusional state) before drifting away from the boat.  Very sad.

When I used to run my boat behind the sod banks a lot at night I was religious about wearing my Sospenders PFD.  I don't really wear it all that much anymore, but I probably should.  It's very light, and once you get used to it, it's really hardly noticeable.

[IrishAyes]

Great post Capt.

Here is one thing to think about with safety on your boat.

WHERE ARE YOUR PFD'S?
Are they in the cabin under the bunk? Is that a practical place for them? Are they readily accessable there? The ONLY good thing about them being there is that they will stay clean. If you have a bad situation they are not readily accessable if they are stowed in a zippered case and under the bunk. Put them where you can easily get to them if you only have seconds to get to do so.

Many, many other safety things to consider, but make this your first consideration. Key word here, READILY ACCESSIBLE.