8615-R4_ML&P_LSLA_2024_SummerNewsletter_Web

Wearing A Life Jacket When Alone Steve Sayian

you went over, the boat was under way. In addition to not having a life jacket on, the other problem is that you most likely didn’t have that little red coiled up ‘deadman’ switch lanyard attached to your belt or other clothing, which means the boat continues on its’ merry way without you! Engine propellers rotate in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. That means the boat will eventually turn in a right or left direction and make very wide circles before impacting with something (another boat, YOU, island or shore). So now you’re in the lake in not-so-great conditions without anyone else around to help you. Had you had a life jacket on, you’d at least be able to float for a while and depending on where you were in the lake, possibly make it to some landfall. The time of year also makes a difference on whether you’re affected by hypothermia. Let’s say that you did have the deadman switch lanyard attached to you and the engine stopped when you went over. That’s great, BUT you now have to figure out how to get back on the boat in less than ideal conditions (with or without a lifejacket). Depending on what you have on for clothing; jacket, swimsuit, pants, etc., the water will soak into them and weigh you down. Climbing up onto slippery aluminum or fiberglass is not easily done, especially if your loaded down with water soaked clothes. There are no real ‘grab’ points that you can use to lift or pull yourself up, even if you’re strong enough. My advice is; Never go out alone, wear a lifejacket AND make sure the ‘deadman’ lanyard is always attached to you. Safety is No Accident! Feel free to contact the Safety Boat with any questions. We are always happy to speak with boaters!

“I don’t need a life jacket, I can swim fine”. How many times have I heard this one? I don’t doubt your swimming ability, but the circumstance in which you may be thrown into the water is the determining factor. If it’s a beautiful 80 degree sunny day with light winds and waves, you’d probably be okay without a life jacket (not that I’m advocating that), BUT if you are alone on the boat and a thunderstorm is coming or a wind/rain squall is on the horizon and you’re trying to get back and the deck is slippery from rain/wind, those are very different circumstances which may not turn out the way you’d like. Having sailed for 40 years on the ocean, we’ve always worn life jackets and safety harnesses when off-shore. I always wear a life jacket as I don’t swim. You’ll always see me and Pepper wearing life jackets on the Safety Boat (she doesn’t swim either). Let’s assume you don’t have a life jacket on and for whatever reason, you end up in the water. When

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