COAST GUARD RECOMMENDS TOP 10 GIFTS FOR BOATERS

December 20, 2004

BOSTON ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â¬ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å“ With the holidays and cold-water season fast approaching, the Coast Guard is issuing a top ten list of boating safety gifts to buy for loved ones this holiday season. The Coast Guard is also urging cold-water safety awareness for all late season boaters, paddlers, duck hunters and fisherman on the inland and coastal waters.

This year, there have been 36 recreational boating and paddling deaths in New England waters. The incidents involved 15 motorboats, eight canoes, five kayaks, four rowboats, two sailboats, one personal watercraft and a catamaran.

For every degree temperatures fall, the rate of survival also diminishes. From December to May, water temperatures in New England are usually between 30 and 45 degrees. Preparedness for cold-water immersion or boat malfunctions can be crucial for survival.

“Boaters, paddlers and others venturing out on the water or ice at this time of year should have a definite plan of action for sudden cold water immersion,” said Al Johnson, First Coast Guard District recreational boating safety specialist.

TOP TEN GIFTS INCLUDE (NOT IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE):

Coast Guard approved life jacket

Signaling kit (mirror, flares, whistle, lights, and an air horn, preferably with a pump)

Nautical charts

VHF Radio

Dry/Wet Suit

Neoprene gloves

Compass/GPS system

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)

Life raft

First aid kit

COAST GUARD RECOMMENDS TOP 10 GIFTS FOR BOATERS

TOP TEN GIFTS INCLUDE (NOT IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE):

Coast Guard approved life jacket

Signaling kit (mirror, flares, whistle, lights, and an air horn, preferably with a pump)

Nautical charts

VHF Radio

Dry/Wet Suit

Neoprene gloves

Compass/GPS system

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)

Life raft

First aid kit

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