Boating and Fishing Safety Reminder

Princeton_Man · February 20, 2016, 08:38:09 AM

It's a new year and we're already reading of boating accidents. Just a reminder to everyone here. Please wear your life vests and check your safety gear. Many of us have been off the water for a few months, take time to refresh your thinking. I for one need to order and replace the gas cylinders on my inflatable life jackets and replace the fire extinguisher (expired).

Hard as it is to read about folks being involved in accidents, it's even harder when you know them. -Jim

LgMouthGambler · February 20, 2016, 08:39:47 AM

I for one am always wearing my life vest when I am moving with the gas motor. Now mind you my little boat only does 15mph with just me in it, but I take no chances.

Bud Kennedy · February 20, 2016, 08:42:27 AM

Great Reminder to all because bad things can happen.

PFDs and KILL SWITCHES DON'T WORK IF YOU DON'T WEAR EM !

Princeton_Man · February 20, 2016, 08:43:04 AM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on February 20, 2016, 08:39:47 AM
I for one am always wearing my life vest when I am moving with the gas motor. Now mind you my little boat only does 15mph with just me in it, but I take no chances.

Hopefully you wear your kill switch lanyard too.

DonM · February 20, 2016, 11:02:36 AM

You know, you are right. I never hook the kill switch to me, and never wear PFD. It is not even where I can get to it easily. My boat will only run in the 50's, but it sure would not be good to get thrown out now would it...
O.K. I will start doing that. Maybe you saved my life.
Be aware there are a number of things required to be in the boat, depending on your state. Here we must have a horn or whistle, throwable flotation device etc. Best to check local laws.
Thanks!

flowerjohn · February 20, 2016, 11:55:39 AM

Good advice here. Thank you. I lost a close friend to a boating accident years back. He was seventeen at the time and the grief killed his mother a week later. The family was destroyed. Wear your PFD. If not for your sake for the sake of your loved ones. Cheers. J.

Donald Garner · February 20, 2016, 08:30:33 PM

Jim,

Tks for posting this. I wear my Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest all the time even while fishing. Its been a while but I fell out of my boat over at Nolan Lake back in 2003. I was fishing out of a V-bottom and I had just installed a foot controlled trolling motor. I was standing up and not watching and over I went. The boat went one way and me the other way. Lucky for me I was pretty close to the bank and was able to stand up. After that I started wearing a life jacket. These auto / manual inflatables are so light weight and you really don't even know you got it on.

Both of my boats have Kill Switches installed and when I shut the big engine off I wrap the Kill Switch through the steering wheel on the Stratos. My G3 I just hang it on the throttle handle shifter once the engine is off. It only takes a split second to fasten it to your jacket or person.

Princeton_Man · February 21, 2016, 05:48:06 AM

Quote from: DonM on February 20, 2016, 11:02:36 AM
You know, you are right. I never hook the kill switch to me, and never wear PFD. It is not even where I can get to it easily. My boat will only run in the 50's, but it sure would not be good to get thrown out now would it...
O.K. I will start doing that. Maybe you saved my life.
Be aware there are a number of things required to be in the boat, depending on your state. Here we must have a horn or whistle, throwable flotation device etc. Best to check local laws.
Thanks!

That's awesome brother! It takes some effort at first but it eventually becomes a habit you won't even think about.

I think the horn/whistle and throwable is required just about everywhere in US waters.

Quote from: Donald Garner on February 20, 2016, 08:30:33 PM
Jim,

Tks for posting this. I wear my Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest all the time even while fishing. Its been a while but I fell out of my boat over at Nolan Lake back in 2003. I was fishing out of a V-bottom and I had just installed a foot controlled trolling motor. I was standing up and not watching and over I went. The boat went one way and me the other way. Lucky for me I was pretty close to the bank and was able to stand up. After that I started wearing a life jacket. These auto / manual inflatables are so light weight and you really don't even know you got it on.

Both of my boats have Kill Switches installed and when I shut the big engine off I wrap the Kill Switch through the steering wheel on the Stratos. My G3 I just hang it on the throttle handle shifter once the engine is off. It only takes a split second to fasten it to your jacket or person.

Don, that's a great idea to hang the lanyard from the shifter! I use the auto/manual inflatables too and discovered the same thing. I rarely notice I'm wearing it. They do cost a little more and require preventive maintenance every two years but they are worth every penny.

Several years ago, we had a young man drown in a small local electric only lake here fishing from his Jon boat. Authorities determined he had slipped and stuck his head on the railing before entering the water. Had he been wearing a life jacket, he'd most likely be fishing today.

2833-34497 · February 21, 2016, 07:54:00 AM

Sad, this happen 2/20/16!! I don't own a boat and fish from a kayak, but it reminds us we all need to be safe!!

flowerjohn · February 21, 2016, 08:51:30 AM

Quote from: Princeton_Man on February 21, 2016, 05:48:06 AM
That's awesome brother! It takes some effort at first but it eventually becomes a habit you won't even think about.

I think the horn/whistle and throwable is required just about everywhere in US waters.

Don, that's a great idea to hang the lanyard from the shifter! I use the auto/manual inflatables too and discovered the same thing. I rarely notice I'm wearing it. They do cost a little more and require preventive maintenance every two years but they are worth every penny.

Several years ago, we had a young man drown in a small local electric only lake here fishing from his Jon boat. Authorities determined he had slipped and stuck his head on the railing before entering the water. Had he been wearing a life jacket, he'd most likely be fishing today.

You are right there Princeton man. I don't care how good you can swim. If you hit the water unconscious you are a gonner. Good advice from you all.

Bud Kennedy · February 21, 2016, 09:12:17 AM

Santee Claims two more lives when boat Capsizes

Clarendon County Deputy Coroner Bucky Mock said two South Carolina men are dead after a boat capsized about 2 p.m. Saturday between Lakevue Landing and Eagle Point.
Mock said divers with the state Department of Natural Resources have recovered the body of one of the men, but are still searching for the other. He said he would not release their identities until both are found.
He said the men are not locals, but are from South Carolina.
Manninglive.com will have more information when it is available.

UPDATE: DNR suspends search until late Sunday morning

DonM · February 21, 2016, 10:28:45 AM

I used to always use the kill switch lanyard and wear life jacket, but somehow got out of the habit.
I could easily have fallen last week when lifting my trolling motor and the rope broke, by the way.
Now it is coated cable, and won't be breaking any time soon!

spetro · February 21, 2016, 12:36:28 PM

Not to many people ever see nor get advanced warning...this is a fine example!