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Avoid The Tragedy

Feb. 12 2021 Miscellaneous By ANDREW BENTON, Master Outfitter

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Safety First on the water to maximize your time with the family!


This is a true story...

        My cousin Daniel, who is my age, was visiting the dealership today, shopping for ATV and boating accessories. Like most of us, he was getting ready for the spring outdoor riding and boating season.  While he was looking at the life jackets and other gear, it brought back memories of a near on-water tragedy we experienced together as children.

        My father was towing us both on one of those “hotdog” style two-person inflatables.  We were towed by our old Javelin bass boat, so you know we were probably going a little faster than we should have been. We went into a turn, which caused some slack in the tow line -- at the same time we went over a wake.  The momentum and wake threw Daniel over the front of the towable, onto the tow line, causing it to form a loop and wrap around his neck -  just as the boat straightened out, snapping the line tight.

        Thankfully, my father was very attentive and hit the kill switch in just the nick of time. Daniel walked away with some pretty severe rope burn and a frightening story to tell his parents.  It could have been tragic.  Which brings to point.  No matter the outdoor activity, there is always a safety checklist which you should be very familiar.  Never lose sight of the importance of keeping everyone safe, start to finish. As the Captain of the boat, you are responsible for everyone onboard.  Never lose sight of that.

But these safety reminders aren’t just for the other boaters or anglers.

They are for us all.


        One of the struggles in preaching about safety is that, quite honestly, no one heads out the door thinking a boating or water tragedy could possibly be right around the corner or right at the next turn or wake crossing.

        While most people will never be affected by a boating mishap, we do need to remember that accidents happen.  A simple safety check list can go a long way in making an accident free trip and a call to 911.

My personal list includes the following:

  • United States Coast Guard (USCG)  approved life jackets for every passenger on board, AND should be easily accessible and proper fitting (i.e., youth life jackets for kids that fit)
  • USCG approved throwable device
  • USCG approved signaling device, such as a functioning boat horn, whistle, or air horn
  • Approved Marine fire extinguishers for your vessel size.  Regular fire extinguishers do not work – they must be an approved MARINE fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Extra mooring or docking line, AND a tow rope (in case you have an engine failure and need to be towed.)
  • Sharp Knife (to cut line that may get wrapped around a propeller)
  • A few Hand Tools (not many, but a Leatherman® Tool, screwdriver, pair of pliers, and an adjustable wrench or ,even better, a few sockets and driver set)
  • Cell phone with a fully charged battery (kind of a given these days)
  • A paddle (so you can control the boat in the event of engine failure.)

        These are the things I bring on my personal boat to ensure that we are prepared in a number of situations.  Days on the water should be full of fun and uninterrupted time with friends and family.  A little foresight and planning can assure you make the most of your time on the water.  You can always come in and see us at Muddy Bay® Marine with any questions or to pick up a basic Captain’s Pack to hit the water running!  

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Trim Tight, Hammer down and LETS TAKE IT OUTSIDE.®


Andrew W. Benton

Master Outfitter, Boat guru, All around great guy.