Accidental Drowning

[glennd3]

We had a boat owner drown at my marina yesterday. I did not know him and do not have the details. I know it was windy here yesterday and the water temperature is cold. Although my boat is out for the season my thoughts are we should all know where the ladders that the marinas have put out for emergencies are located and we should set up our slips with some safety lines to use in case we fall in. The piers at my marina are long and maybe he was hurt when he went in and could not make the swim to safety. We all need to stay vigilant about safety, sometimes we forget we are all getting older. Sucks

[Ron Hill]

Glenn : You said it all AMEN!!

[KWKloeber]

That's terrible.

Here's a thought that we all should follow on the off season boarding/disembarking or even being on the docks.  Wear a life jacket.  I'm in year round but on the off season the marina is deserted. I'm on a tee, so boarding is more difficult and involves a short step ladder and involves the sprit and bow rail. I was there once thinking, what the hell could happen if the step ladder gave way? (There's no ladders and in 40F water I don't know whether I'd make it swimming to the nearest shoreline (which would also be deserted if I was hurt or hypothermic in freezing weather.
After that I keep a life jacket in the auto so I have it even if unexpectedly at the boat. 
It's not macho but sure can save a life.

[Noah]

It is good to take note of the boats nearby your slip that have walk-through transoms, if your boat does not. They may be an escape route out of the water someday.

[Ron Hill]

All : Noah has a great idea for the "winter in the water"!!!  Drop your boarding ladder - at least you'll know of somewhere to climb out if you happen to fall in!!

A thought