“These will really save you”, Dennis Mcleish said.
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76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those drowning victims, 85 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.
FWC spokesman Capt. Tom Shipp says numerous accidents could have been prevented if boaters had paid closer attention to their surroundings, maintained proper lookout, and if everyone had been wearing a life jacket. “You never know when your on a boat and you could fall off”. As part of their campaign, they will be launching National Safe Boating Week from May 21-28.
Despite recent warmer weather, water temperatures statewide are still below 70 degrees – cold enough to cause the gasp reflex and incapacitate even strong swimmers in less than one minute. Be sure all necessary safety devices are both on your boat and in good serviceable condition.
Today’s boaters can choose from several models of light and comfortable, inflatable belt-pack or over-the-shoulder life jackets that can be worn while fishing or enjoying the sun. A thorough check of fire extinguisher and flare expiration dates should be done to be sure they are in working order.
The archival office at the University of Montana is joining with the Coast Guard to promote Life Jacket Awareness Day. For more information about boating responsibly or life jackets, visit the National Safe Boating Council’s website.
“I have yet to pull anyone out of the water that was wearing a life jacket that died”, Goody said.
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Boating is inevitably associated with water, and few months here have been more devoted to discussions of water and rain.
