Quannapowitt Yacht Club

Water is both the medium our sport is played in and a substance so dangerous that the National Safety Council reports that over 7000 people drown annually.

Swimmers are not immune; one quarter of all who die are swimmers. It usually takes between 20 and 60 seconds to drown and even people watching the person usually can’t tell their in trouble.

It is also interesting to note that men drown at 3.7 times the rate of women. A significant reason may be that men take more needless risks.

The distressing fact is that death by drowning during sailing activities is easily reduced. The Coast Guard reports that 90% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.

QYC has had a few troubling situations over the last few years when members weren’t wearing floatation and it is time to once again remind ourselves that life jackets are required by club policy when you’re using a QYC boat, sail or power.

You must be wearing a jacket – not just have one available in the boat – during the entire time you are away from the dock. The vest must be attached so that it can’t come off if you’re unexpectedly dumped in the water or knocked in unconscious.

If you think that you can’t sail comfortably with a jacket on, check out some of the club’s best sailors, they’re wearing life jackets and enjoying playing around and racing. It’s possible that your jacket isn’t designed for comfortable use; talk to an experienced sailor who regularly wears a jacket about the different designs and what might work better for you.

We strongly encourage you to always use a life jacket when you’re on your own boat – one must be carried by law – but we insist on it when you’re in a club boat, sail or power.

Also, parents and adults, if you’re on the water with a child wear a jacket at all times. To help a non-swimmer or a child, you need to be wearing floatation. Your ability to relax and help them may depend on your ability to float without trying.

To help everyone remember to jacket up, please sail by members who’ve forgotten and give them a friendly reminder, “Don’t forget you need to be wearing a life jacket.”