Safe Boating

A neighbor of mine – a new boater I might add – approached me a few years back and mentioned he had just purchased a pre-owned boat. “Great” I said, “So are you going to have your compass checked to make sure it’s at least in the ball park – accuracy wise?”

“A diver was killed Saturday night after a boat ran him over just off the beach in Ho-llywood. The boat did not stop, though the operator may not have even realized he hit anyone,” reported a police spokesman in the Miami Herald, back in September of 2005

It’s a plane! No, it’s a helicopter! No, wait a second, that’s an aerial flare!

In many coastal communities, bright lights in the sky after dusk are an unusual sight. While in areas adjacent to airports, they are actually quite commonplace and can most often be explained. Nevertheless, regardless where exactly you’re boating or fishing, any time you see a strange, streaking light shooting across an otherwise dark nighttime sky, you should always look twice. With the exception of the July 4th weekend, unexplainable streaking or arcing lights above any body of water should definitely make you stand up and take notice. What you could be witnessing could very well be a Visual Distress Signal (VDS), commonly referred to as an “Aerial Flare.”

This great looking 3/4” thick pad has been scientifically developed to reduce the risk of injuries associated with heavy sea conditions.

By combining different foam densities, the pad relieves over 90% of the shock caused by the impact of a boat running over big waves, a discomfort we have all experienced before. The immediate relief on your feet, knees, back and neck will astonish you and you’ll never want to leave the dock without it.

In our blue water arena, when you come face-to-face with a marlin, giant bluefin tuna or a mako shark, you better have your game face on!

All serious sports from the pee-wee to the professional level require serious commitment, preparation and safety considerations. Big game fishing is no exception and for whatever reason, has not always been recognized as an extreme sport. Those unaware of the dangers involved in battling or wiring big powerful fish need to be informed and educated by the professionals.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary Reminds YOU:

Nothing beats recreational boating as a way to relax, have fun, and bring friends and family together. That’s why it’s tragic when a recreational boating outing ends with an accident. Too many people are injured or even killed while boating on America’s waterways. Many of these people are responsible, conscientious boaters who think their experience or equipment is enough to keep them and their passengers safe.