A news article from the Coast Guard last week grabbed my attention: Coast Guard rescues man off Longboat Key following Hurricane Milton.
The mariner spent the night in the Gulf while Milton passed. “He survived because of a life jacket, his emergency position indicating locator beacon, and a cooler.”
It is important to think about the possibility of falling overboard before you even leave to dock – What are you wearing, how well does it stand out in the water, how easy will it be for you to be seen? Life jackets are intentionally bright colors to aid in locating people. They also have reflective materials. Having one on or accessible when out on the water can be life saving.
If you find yourself in a position of witnessing someone fall overboard – the most important thing to do is alert the operator of the boat, mark the location and assess the safety of attempting to assist or rescue the person in the water. Throw a buoyant object to help the person. Jumping in yourself should be the last option. If you do go into the water, be sure to put on your life jacket first.
If you are unable to assist, call for help on channel 16 of your VHF radio.
The USCG recommends that you try to remain calm, keep your clothing and shoes on, get into the H.E.L.P. position (this position involves bringing your knees up to your chest, crossing your arms, and hugging your life jacket) and try to get back into the vessel. If your vessel goes down, try to stay with others or with debris that will float. You are much easier to spot. Carrying a emergency location device will also assist in getting help to you.
As Sherrie says, safe boating is no accident. Make sure you are ready to stay safe and prepared for whatever weather heads our way!!
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.
