Loss of Life Narrowly Averted

[GeeBee]

Got this email from our nearby marina with a note from one of the tenants. While many of us have good practices, sometimes it is good to have a reminder why we do what we do. Nuff said.

I just want to re-iterate the need for young children to wear life jackets while on boats and the docks in our marina. Last weekend we had a four year old fall between our houseboat and the dock while we were tied up. He hit his head on the dock as he went down. Fortunately, he was wearing his life jacket and floated, and a nearby adult who saw the incident was able to pluck him out of the water. No jacket and we would have had a horrible tragedy. We constantly see young kids (not ours) on our dock not wearing their jackets. Parents - an instance like this one can happen at any time - and now all our grandchildren see why we insist on wearing a jacket from the moment they set foot on the dock.

 

[Radioactive]

Not just kids, but adults, too.

And from same risk: trip, hit head, end up in water. Inflatables are reasonably comfortable and can save your life.

Besides, if the adults are wearing them, then the kids will "emulate their elders".

Note: I admit that just about the only one on our dock wearing a PFD while loading at the slip was me. ( and my non-swimming pax ). But it is a good plan, and sets a fine example.

Glad the little one simply got "washed off". There were other, less desirable options.

 

[November Charlie]

Always surprised at how frequently I see small children on boats without PFD’s. Even see them bowriding with no PFD’s still. You’d think everyone would get it by now.

 

[LouC]

Also...NO SWIMMING at the dock, there have been tragedies with electrical faults causing children swimming to be shocked and drown.....

 

[WALSHIE]

I've had moms with kids in strapped into baby strollers walk down the dock past my boat.

I have to point out, you do realize if that stroller goes in the water, your baby will sink with it?

Crazy things these "loving parents" do.