Give the Gift of Boating Safety for Christmas

Consider Giving Holiday Season Presents that Also Protect Loved Ones

Nov 22, 2008

There are many boating safety related items that would made a great gift with lasting benefits for friends and family that are boaters.

Since Christmas comes only once a year, why not give a gift to your favorite boater that will go on to protect them throughout the entire year. A gift of boating safety may not be the least expensive gift under the tree, but it will certainly hold the potential for the greatest value one can receive, a safer boating experience. The following are just a few suggestions that any boater would truly appreciate this Christmas.

Mustang Survival Systems MC 1524 Integrity Flotation Coat

In Alaska, a "Mustang Coat" is synonymous with lifejacket. The Integrity Floatation Coat is a product that can be worn while hunting, boating, fishing and working outdoors that keeps its wearer warm and comfortable. It features a fleece-lined collar, comfortable cuffs, ventilation for warmer weather, and a cut that doesn't interfere with activities. The fact that it is a Coast Guard approved floatation device is just a great additional safety benefit. Mustang Survival Systems produces versions of the coat that meet either Canadian or United States safety requirements and they cost about $230. The Integrity product line includes some additional projects, a bomber jacket, vest, waist pant, bib pant, and suit.

America's Boating Course (ABC)

America's Boating Course is a boating safety course approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators and recognized in most states that have boating license or safety certification requirements. This course may be taken in a traditional classroom sitting, on-line or through use of an included interactive CD-ROM and course manual.

Several insurance companies offer boat insurance discounts to boaters that successfully complete an approved boating safety class. Cost for the course is $34.95, plus shipping.

ACR ResQFix 406 GPS Personal Locator Beacon

Capsized boats and falls overboard are a leading cause found in boating related fatalities. Personal locator beacons (PLB) are a proven and effective means to ensure successful rescue for a person in the water. More than 20,000 lives have been saved by 406 MHz radio beacon technology since 1982. Personal locator beacons transmit a homing 406 MHz radio signal that can be tracked by orbiting search and rescue satellites. Location information is passed on to search coordinators, making a save much more likely and quicker. The ACR ResQFix 406 GPS PLB provides a wealth of information to potential rescuers. This includes a homing beacon signal, GPS real time coordinates, and a link to personal registration data. This PLB sells for around $600.

Boating safety gear makes a lasting gift for friends and family that will be used well after the holiday season fades.

The copyright of the article Give the Gift of Boating Safety for Christmas in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Give the Gift of Boating Safety for Christmas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.