What actions to take when the unthinkable occurs.

Unfortunately, boaters fall overboard more than the general public wishes to think about. In 2006, the United States Coast Guard reported that 275 individuals died in 721 boating accidents that began with or involved a fall overboard.

Before we discuss what to do once someone has fallen overboard, let’s talk about how this dangerous situation can be avoided. First of all, the captain should always keep a running head-count of crew members and guests.

“The Zone” - start the New Year right by making sure you’re NOT in it!

When someone typically yaps about being in the “Zone,” they're generally referring to being in a good place, about being focused and having their finger right on the pulse. However, being in the “Zone” as far as the 2006 Boating Statistics are concerned (published by the United States Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety) is NOT the place you or your loved one wants to ever be in.

Are Compasses Dispensable Now That GPS Chart-Plotters Are Dominating The Market?

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?”

“Man diving off beach struck and killed by boater in apparent accident.”

“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.