Please be careful out there

[mwardncsu]

For those that don’t know, an angler lost his life on Friday while/after launching at the Penhook ramp when he fell in the water. There was an attempt at rescue and the individual was transported to the hospital but didn’t make it.

Things can happen in a split second that can change lives.... even those that are good about wearing a PFD may not think to do so while at the ramp putting the boat in or getting on/off the dock - and with icy conditions it’s easy to slip and hit your head or other - good idea to have it on then as well

Take a few moments to (re)read the post below.....

smlfishingforums.proboards.com/thread/491/winter-fishing-safety

[31Airborne]

thanks for the reminder, Mike. we can never read or hear about winter water safety enough. got PFD? wear the ***** thing!

[johnr]

A lot of folks underestimate the danger of the entire loading/unloading/docking process.

I do a lot of wintertime, 5am launching, solo. I’ve had my share of close calls and this year I started keeping my PFD in my truck, not the boat. This way I have no excuse to not to put it on before I launch. It only takes one slight miscalculation of boat to dock distance and you’re swimming...

I’ve slipped when exiting the boat to the dock. I’ve slipped when entering the boat from the dock. I’ve slipped on the ramp and landed flat on my back, and I’ve fallen off the bow of the boat/trailer tongue while climbing in/out upon trailering. Penhook is one of the worst for these accidents. Anthony Ford and the state park aren’t much better. Penhook and Anthony Ford are difficult due to the dock height. The state park is the slickest ramp and dock known to man.

I read the guy was only 35 years old. It can happen to anyone.

[piper]

Hell, I hope I'm the only one on here to have the misfortune of losing his balance when throwing a cast net in March. Talking about an awakening experience. Even better when the net is tied to your wrist in 30 foot of water, instant anchor. Boots also fill up with water too. Very sad to read this story .

[BentRod]

That’s incredibly sad and young too.

I gotta say I’m probably lucky to be alive as much as I fished in snow and ice by myself when I was younger. I fell a few times in the boat but never out of it. I never really thought much about it until I had a kid and now I wear my Mustang jacket every time I fish (or try to - don’t tell my wife if you see me without it!). I actually fell out of the boat (with my life jacket on) last March throwing the cast net - luckily I was able to grab the side of the boat and hold on without getting fully submerged and then a couple buddies pulled me back into the boat. It happens fast and when you have tons of gear on and boots, it is not easy to swim and in some situations even harder to get back in the boat. Life jackets at least give you a better chance in the winter months when you have a lot going against you.

[mississipi]

Sad to hear. I dont think most realize how hard it is to get back on a boat and little time you have in cold water. I lived and worked on the water for 35 years, attended numerous Coast Guard mandated sea survival classes. But no matter what training you have being submerged in 40 degree water will get you fast. James posted an idea that I have never thought of in the market section and that was to climb onto the lower unit and use the trim to lift you. I think that might be worth keeping in your mind if you happen to be overboard with no help. Still might be difficult to climb from the motor to the boat but I am definitely going to remember that. Steps are great but if you you are cold or older even they can be hard. Stay Safe out there. Thanks James

[mwardncsu]

Some of y’all will remember when I posted falling in back during a November a year years ago while throwing my net. Water was in the 50’s and air in the 60’s. I have a swim ladder and my plan was always to pull it down and climb back in - but with the shock of it all I didn’t know if I had the strength to make my way from front to back of the boat. I had my trolling motor remote on me so I hung on to the TM shaft and drove myself to a dock that had a ladder where I could get out....

It can happen to any of us. Have a plan A, and a plan B & C. And West your PFD!

[keninva]

Great reminder. I wear my PFD anytime I am in my boat. I am going to start putting my PFD on before launching!