This past week there was a tragic accident down in Florida and it received a lot of attention because two of the people on the boat were NFL football players. There were 4 people on the boat and tragically only one of them survived. This accident caused quite a bit of discussion on the site about offshore safety and maybe some good can come from it if more people learn about being prepared when they head out. Here is an article we received from Boat US with some information and suggestions.
One Football Player Survives Florida Boating Accident:
Lifesaving Tips from BoatUS Foundation
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 3, 2009 - Nick Schuyler, a former University of South Florida (USF) football player was found alive clinging to the top of an overturned fishing boat 38 miles west of Tampa Bay yesterday. The 21-foot vessel, which departed Saturday morning for a Gulf of Mexico fishing trip, was also carrying NFL players Marquis Cooper and Cory Smith, and another former USF player, William Bleakley. A search continues for the three missing players. All were reported to be wearing life jackets.
“Our hearts go out to the families of these young men,” said BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Ruth Wood. The Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization and is funded by members of Boat Owners Association of The United States.
“While we don’t know how this may end, this incident shows us that an offshore fishing trip can turn life-threatening very quickly,” she added.
The BoatUS Foundation offers these tips:
File a float plan and make sure you adhere to it. By filing a float plan with a reliable family member or friend, they will be your first life-line to safety by letting the authorities know when you are overdue, where you had planned to go, and what time you were supposed to return.
Have a Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio and ensure it’s connected to your GPS receiver. With the U.S. Coast Guard’s modern coastal “Rescue 21” system now ope