Just another reminder that water has no forgiveness! As much as all of us our on, in or near the water we must always prepare for the worst! I don't know the full details of this story except a family was tubing/kayaking down the Huron River in Ann Arbor and a few kids had some trouble. A Dad and his 14 year old son rescued a few and then the 14 year old boy drowned saving his sister. Yes she lived. The brother didn't. This is just another reminder to respect ALL water and be prepared. I can't tell you how many "boat, water, fishing" pictures I see every year with kids not having a life vest on. It can all happen in a split second! Make sure your kids are safe on a boat, in or near water and unless your Michael Phelps you should have your vest within reach at all times. Anything can happen and will happen. I'll admit of not being proactive with my life vest until fall comes. I need to be better about that and have it on or near me at all times. I've floated a few rivers in Michigan including the Sturgeon which is the fastest river in the L.P. and never had a life vest near me. With all those huge log jams, deep water holes and super fast current if something would have happened to me I can admit there's a good chance I would have never made it out of that river alive without a life vest. Prepare for the worst for you and your family!
Just happens yesterday on LSC. A group of 28-32 people went out drunk on a 32' Sea Ray boat around midnight last night and 2 guys decided to go for a swim. The boat drifted away and only one guy made it back to the boat. The other guy was a 2 tour war vet and just 32 years old. When the group on the boat called the police to report a missing man the police instructed the driver to stay put and continue to search. Instead because he was drunk and fearing arrest he and the group left his friend and went to the Marina and got off the boat. What good friends, huh? The 32 old veteran eventually drowned and body was recovered the next night. I can't believe the left the lake instead of searching for their buddy.
Everyone should take the summer to purposely jump in with clothes, rain gear, etc etc to see what it's like and how to get back in the boat. I have Mustang Survival Suit for Fall/Winter and its worth every penny. Another "Military" trick that can work if you fall in without a life vest in water in average to warm water temps is take your shoes/boots off, then you pants. Tie the bottom of each pant leg together into a knot and put around your neck. Then use the waist of the pants and grab air into them by cupping/splashing your hand to grab air into the pants. Once you fill them up with air you can float. It's a cool trick if you've got time and can tread water long enough to take you boots and pants off. There's a YouTube video showing how to do it. I think it's called "life jacket made with pants"
"detroithardcore" said:
Everyone should take the summer to purposely jump in with clothes, rain gear, etc etc to see what it's like and how to get back in the boat."
Yes, should be a mandatory part of boating safety and not just for swim classes for those that want to be a lifeguard. First thing to come off should be shoes followed by anything heavy on your upper body (jacket, sweatshirt, etc).
Here's that video – <url url="[Permission to view this media is denied]
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We learned this in high school gym class! then I taught it for a few years when I was a lifegaurd instructor. I'm a little surprised more people don't know about different ways to save their own life! Thanks Will for posting that video. It really should be included with hunter safety/boaters safety classes.
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