Safety Alert System for Boaters
Device Warns Operators when a Watercraft Ahead is Slowing Down
Feb 17, 2009
A marine industry manufacturer in Fort Meyers, Florida, PWC Industries Inc., has come up with a safety idea that could and maybe should be universally adopted by all recreational boats and personal watercraft. Known as the Safety Alert System (SAS), the device senses vessel deceleration and flashs an amber light that is visible to others operating on the water.
In a press release describing the Safety Alert System, PWC Industries President Paul Grzebielucha says, "What better cause can this company be associated with than helping to reduce injuries, fatalities, damage, costly repairs and downtime to outdoor recreation enthusiasts. We're dedicated to manufacturing dependable, high quality and easy-to-install products for our customers, the Safety Alert System is no exception."
A Description of the Safety Alert System (SAS)
The safety device combines a microprocessor controlled G force meter and amber light emitting diode (LED) display. Design features include:
- Components are mounted on an urethane encapsulated circuit board to ensure long life in the harsh marine environment
- Solid state design that withstands the shock and vibrations generated by a boat or PWC
- Dash mounted control panel that allows the operator to manually activate the warning LED light, doubling the SAS's service as a potential distress signal
- System draws only a 170 milliamps of current and LED display has a service life of up to 100,000 hours
- System circuits feature a fail-safe warning feature to alert the vessel operator that SAS is operating correctly
- The SAS can also be used with All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and other outdoor sport vehicles
What is the Scope of the Boating Safety Problem?
The United States Coast Guard releases boating safety statistics each year that describe the extent of injuries, causes for accidents and the costs involved in these incidents. During 2007, recreational boating accounted for some 5,000 accidents that caused 3,600 injuries and nearly 700 fatalities. Property damage related to boating accidents totaled over $53 million during the same period of time.
Open powerboats (44%) and personal watercraft (24%) were the two most common vessels involved in incidents recorded with the Coast Guard. Collisions between vessels is the most significant type of accident experienced by boats. In 2007, 1,329 collisions constituted 26% of all recreational boating related accidents.
PWC Industries makes a responsible argument for promoting a safety system that warns boaters that the vessel ahead of them is slowing. Suggested retail cost for the Safety Alert System is listed as $238.95. Installing the warning device as a Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) option on new powerboats and PWCs will greatly reduce the cost.
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