Life Jackets Essential to Boating Safety

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Jul 6, 2012 at 1:34 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2012 at 9:59 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The two men who died in Matanuska Lake Friday, Randy and Michael Francis, shared something in common with more than three-quarters of Alaska drowning victims: neither of them were wearing life jackets.

State troopers and local boating companies alike call the deaths avoidable tragedies that could be prevented by following a few basic boating safety precautions. Mark Cohen, owner of Alaska Raft & Kayak, said it's something his company stresses to all its customers. Besides equipping rental boats with life jackets and throwable flotation devices, Cohen said there are a few other things boaters can do to stay safe on the water.

"If you can, wear a drysuit or good clothing that will dry quickly so when you get out of the elements, you're going to be warm and dry," Cohen said. "Then, maybe go with people who have more experience then you on the first time you go."

U.S Coast Guard officials also recommend submitting a float plan to an on-shore friend or family member before shoving off.


 

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BobD said on Friday, Jul 6 at 2:03 PM

This is just sad..

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tom85016@aol.com said on Friday, Jul 6 at 11:11 PM

I am the first born and eldest son of Michael Francis. My father. I was NEVER notified by any State Trooper or official of Alaska. The only news I have received of this is from online and from a good search. I read online reports that my father was and wasn't wearing a life jacket. WHAT IS WRONG WITH STATE TROOPERS IN ALASKA? ARE THEY ON DRUGS OR DRINKING AND HAVE NOW CLUE? Not only did I have to find out from friends, I am shocked to learn the Alaska State Troopers have claimed to notifiy me when clearly they did not. And even worse, I read comments on facebook here to see people judging my father for NOT wearing a life jacket when the Alaska State Troopers can NOT get their story straight. I am in Phoenix Arizona. I am LOST. I have NO CLUE what is going on. NO ONE FROM ALASKA has contected me. Me email is TOM85016@AOL.COM This is my father. I want to know the truth as do my younger sisters who have NO CLUE. QUIT passing blame and SOMEONE please HELP US. HELP ME!!!

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Wes said on Saturday, Jul 7 at 10:31 AM

Tom: I just went through the same kind of thing. My heart-felt sorrow for you and the other members of your family. Losing a parent is one of the toughest times in life; please, when confronted with a problem with no solution let it go and move on. My family wishes you well and peace.

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Anonymous said on Monday, Jul 9 at 8:00 AM

William: For those of you with a few extra dollars to spend on safety, not all life jackets are uncomfortable. You should at the very least wear inflatable jackets. I don't know if there is a kind of those that is Coast Guard approved, but a C02 preserver is better than none at all.

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