MIAMI — The U.S. Coast Guard is encouraging Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers to remember the boaters on their holiday gift lists and to take advantage of discounts various outfitters and marine retailers are offering on life-saving equipment.
Some gift ideas include:
* A life jacket
* A boating safety course
* A marine GPS navigation system
* A Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher
* A first aid kit in a watertight container
* A seamanship book
* Nautical charts for the areas your favorite mariner frequents
* An electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB)
* A life raft with a survival kit
Whistles and other sound-producing devices, signaling mirrors, flares and neatly-rolled nautical charts are all ideal sizes for stocking stuffers.
"The Coast Guard estimates 80 percent of boating fatalities could have been prevented if boaters wore their life jackets," said Capt. Chris Scraba, Coast Guard Sector Miami commander. "It's important that boaters remember that wearing and maintaining safety equipment like life jackets and personal electronic position indicating radio beacons, can not only save your life, but expedite your rescue. Take advantage of the sales this holiday season and buy your loved ones a piece of boating safety equipment; it could safe their life out at sea."