Category Archives: Water Safety

Outside Jewell

Dress for the Water Temperature

It’s Spring. Do you know what the water temperature is?

Portland Harbor, Maine averages: May 1-15 = 47ºF / May 16-31  = 51ºF

Every Spring, warming air entices many people to go out in small boats when the water temperature is still deadly cold. 50ºF water doesn't sound particularly cold or dangerous if you mentally compare it to 50ºF air.

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contact tow on foredeck

Contact Tows

Contact Tows are standard safety gear at MIKCo.

A contact tow is a short tow line set up to perform a wide variety of functions. It is attached to the deck
lines in front of your cockpit, where it can be easily reached. It should connect quickly and simply with wide gate stainless steel carabiners. Being able to vary the length of the contact tow line allows you to tow different length boats. As with all towing systems, some method of quick release is essential. A contact tow can be used to tow short distances; it can also be used to bring a boat to a swimmer, which is easier than towing a swimmer to their boat.

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Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

by Mario Vittone

This work has been released into the public domain by the copyright holder.

The new captain jumped from the deck, fully dressed, and sprinted through the water. A former lifeguard, he kept his eyes on his victim as he headed straight for the couple swimming between their anchored sportfisher and the beach. “I think he thinks you’re drowning,” the husband said to his wife.Continue reading→