The Sea Tow Foundation recently launched the Life Jacket Challenge to raise awareness about the critical need to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. By simulating the rapid onset of on-water emergencies, the challenge encourages boaters of all ages to try and don a life jacket in under 30 seconds.
“The Life Jacket Challenge is not only a fun and interactive way to promote boating safety, but it’s also a powerful tool to demonstrate just how quickly a situation on the water can turn dangerous,” said Gail R. Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. “By encouraging boaters to practice putting on their life jackets quickly and efficiently, we hope to instill a sense of preparedness and responsibility that will help keep them safe in case of an emergency.”
The Life Jacket Challenge will run May 1 through September 4, 2023. Participants have the chance to win monthly and weekly prizes through the duration of the challenge. The Sea Tow Foundation operates more than 1,300 Life Jacket Loaner stations throughout the United States at boat ramps, marinas, parks and other locations where boaters have easy access to borrow the life jackets.
The Sea Tow Foundation connected with Sea Tow captains to share boating safety tips that boaters may not think about, but should have in place before a day on the water. A few of the Sea Tow captains even participated in the Life Jacket Challenge and you can find their videos below:
Make A Float Plan
A float plan explains where a boater is headed and when he or she plans to return, and it should be given to a trusted friend or family member staying on land. This is important in case an emergency happens, or the boater does not arrive back on time, because authorities will know where to focus their search efforts.
– Capt. Christian Orfanello, Sea Tow New Orleans (LA)
Carry Communications devices
A cell phone won’t work in many places out on the water, even when you can still see land. That’s why it is important to carry a VHF radio that you can use to call for help. A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or a larger Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) can also be used in an emergency to help rescuers find you.
– Capt. Mike DeGenero, Sea Tow Charlotte Harbor (FL)
Rule Of Thirds
Always make sure you have enough fuel for the ride home by following the rule of thirds. Use 1/3 of your gas to head out to your destination and 1/3 to come back, but then you have another 1/3 for any unplanned events.
– Capt. Ann Merritt, Sea Tow Southern Maryland (MD)
Use Navigation Lights
Even if you don’t think you’ll be out after dark, it is important to have the proper navigation lights for your boat and ensure that they are working before you leave the boat ramp or dock. Lights let other boats see you in the dark and can also help you find your way back.
– Capt. Greg Dreischmeyer, Sea Tow San Diego (CA)
Always Have An Anchor Ready
When things go wrong on a boat, it can happen quickly and being able to anchor your boat is an important way to stay safe. But your anchor is no good to you if it is tangled up at the bottom of a storage compartment: always have the anchor ready to drop swiftly. Keep the end of the anchor line secured to your boat, so you don’t lose the whole length. Anchor from the bow of your boat, as opposed to the stern, to help keep any waves from swamping the boat.
– Capt. Ethan Maass, Sea Tow South Shore (MA)
Slow Down
You don’t need to race to get out to the water. It is always there, and the fish will be there, too. Take your time, slow down and enjoy the boating experience. Plus, you’re less likely to hit something submerged in the water, run aground or have other issues if you are proceeding at a slower pace.
–Capt. Jim Pulley, Sea Tow Table Rock Lake (MO)
