A life jacket is one of the most effective pieces of life-saving equipment and makes an excellent holiday gift.
ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. – The U.S. Coast Guard is encouraging Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers to remember the boaters on their holiday gift lists and to take advantage of discounts various outfitters and marine retailers are offering on life-saving equipment.
“What better way is there to express your love to the boaters in your family other than by giving them a gift that may save their lives one day?” said Cmdr. Brian Rush, chief of response at Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.
“In a perfect world, boaters would never have to use most of this equipment but the reality is accidents happen,” he said. “Being well-prepared drastically increases your chances of survival following an accident.”
A handheld radio and emergency flares are some of the most effective pieces of life-saving equipment and they make an excellent holiday gift.
Three excellent gift choices are some of the most effective pieces of survival equipment: a properly-fitting, U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket; a handheld VH-FM marine radio; and a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon or Personal Locator Beacon (ensure it is registered after purchase to avoid delays in a rescue situation).
Other gift ideas include:
- A boating safety course
- A marine GPS navigation system
- A Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher
- A first aid kit in a watertight container
- A seamanship book
- Nautical charts for the areas your favorite mariner frequents
- A signaling kit
- A life raft with a survival kit
Whistles and other sound-producing devices, signaling mirrors, flares and neatly-rolled nautical charts are all ideal sizes for stocking stuffers.
There are also free gift options for those on a tight budget:
- Several pre-printed blank float plans ready to be filled out before the next boating trip
- A complimentary Vessel Safety Check provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary
