MIAMI — As Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approach, be sure to keep in mind friends and family who are often on the water and take advantage of the great discounts available. The following Coast Guard-approved stocking stuffers can save loved ones in risky waters.
Ideal gift ideas include:
- A Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- A marine GPS navigation system
- A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher
- A first-aid kit in a watertight container
- A Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook
- Nautical charts for the areas your favorite mariner frequents
- An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
- A life raft with a survival kit
- Enrolling in free boating safety classes
- A vessel safety check
- A signaling kit in waterproof container
- Overboard rescuing kit
Whistles and other sound-producing devices, signaling mirrors, flares and neatly rolled nautical charts are all ideal sizes for stocking stuffers. Especially when bought on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, these items are relatively inexpensive and can be the difference between life and death.
"Many of the unfortunate boating fatalities could have been prevented if boaters wore their life jackets," said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Kelley, Coast Guard 7th District public affairs officer. "It's important that boaters remember that wearing and maintaining boating safety equipment like life jackets and personal electronic position indicating radio beacons, can not only save your life, but expedite your rescue.”
The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to take advantage of the sales this holiday season and buy your loved ones a piece of boating safety equipment; it could save their life out at sea.
For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org.
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