Sailor Survives 12 Hour Plunge in Lake Michigan

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Author Topic:   Sailor Survives 12 Hour Plunge in Lake Michigan

BlueMax posted 08-19-2008 08:46 PM ET (US)
Knocked off his 23 foot sailboat when the boom swung around in a gust of wind - his lifejacket remained right where he had left it, on the seat next to where he was sitting:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,406561,00.html

Another poignant illustration that Safety devices only work properly when they are used properly.
Stay safe out there.
Sheila posted 08-19-2008 10:49 PM ET (US)
It's nice to read of a happy ending and of credit being given where it's due.
You make an excellent point, too, about safety equipment. His PFD surely would have served him well in the water. If his motor was an outboard equipped with a kill switch, wearing it would have at least offered the possibility that his vessel might have remained within swimming distance or at least provided a better target for the search teams.
His wife's timely call likely made a life-or-death difference in this case.
Float plans. They can save you.
Whalerdog posted 08-20-2008 11:53 AM ET (US)
Glad he's OK. Least he didn't have to worry about sharks!
Stinger23OR posted 08-20-2008 07:20 PM ET (US)
Yes, great that he is ok! Just think of that 12 hour ordeal of treading water knowing that if you tired and stopped it was over. PFD on and not by your side as his was, certainly a must when out on the water alone.

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Author	Topic: Sailor Survives 12 Hour Plunge in Lake Michigan
BlueMax	posted 08-19-2008 08:46 PM ET (US) Knocked off his 23 foot sailboat when the boom swung around in a gust of wind - his lifejacket remained right where he had left it, on the seat next to where he was sitting: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,406561,00.html Another poignant illustration that Safety devices only work properly when they are used properly. Stay safe out there.
Sheila	posted 08-19-2008 10:49 PM ET (US) It's nice to read of a happy ending and of credit being given where it's due. You make an excellent point, too, about safety equipment. His PFD surely would have served him well in the water. If his motor was an outboard equipped with a kill switch, wearing it would have at least offered the possibility that his vessel might have remained within swimming distance or at least provided a better target for the search teams. His wife's timely call likely made a life-or-death difference in this case. Float plans. They can save you.
Whalerdog	posted 08-20-2008 11:53 AM ET (US) Glad he's OK. Least he didn't have to worry about sharks!
Stinger23OR	posted 08-20-2008 07:20 PM ET (US) Yes, great that he is ok! Just think of that 12 hour ordeal of treading water knowing that if you tired and stopped it was over. PFD on and not by your side as his was, certainly a must when out on the water alone.