Gift Ideas for the Boater in Your Life - Coast Guard News

HONOLULU – With Thanksgiving left-overs still stocked in the fridge and the winter holidays around the corner, the Coast Guard offers a few gift ideas for the boater in your life.

The price range for these items runs from under $10, up to several hundred dollars, but giving the gift of safety to a friend or loved one is priceless. Gift ideas you can pick up at any boating supply store are:

Sleek, light-weight, inflatable personal flotation suspender;

Emergency signaling kits — flares, signal mirror, whistle, etc.;

Kill switch leash — attached to the driver’s wrist and should kill the engine if you fall overboard;

Up-to-date navigational charts;

Hand-held VHF marine radio with extra batteries;

Tool kit and spare parts for your boat — fuses, spark plugs, belts, etc.;

First Aid kit, sun screen, food and water.

Personal emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRB). These moderately expensive, yet priceless devices come in several different models and sizes. We highly recommended that any mariner has one on board. EPIRB’s take the search out of search and rescue!

Another gift idea is to sign your boater up for a boating safety course. Course topics range from basic boating knowledge, laws, navigational rules and problem solving. To learn more visit the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety.

Please also take the time to schedule a free vessel safety check with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary. An auxiliarist will ensure your compliance with federal, state and local safety requirements before getting underway. For more information visit the Auxilary’s Vessel Safety Check website.

The Coast Guard sincerely hopes you enjoy your holiday season and that these gifts keep you boating safely for many more.