By Dave Mull
A ditch bag is essential boating safety gear. This small kit should contain a variety of signaling equipment you can use while in the water if you are forced to evacuate your boat. Here’s what to keep in it.
Nothing signals distress better than a red flare headed for the heavens. It will get other boaters headed your way and possibly encourage land-bound observers to call for help. Fully functional flares are your best chance to be seen by others in the vicinity.
If you’re in the water after dark, a strobe will help rescuers pinpoint your location.
This is a good one because it also has a strobe function, and if your boat sinks around other boats (such as trolling in the same large area), the flashes will lead rescuers to your location and the light will stand out among all the white navigation lights on other boats. The light is handy for other fishing and cruising tasks in the dark, and it’s already on your head if you have to ditch.
When you’re in the water with just your head above the water, you are very difficult to see. This inflatable tube attaches to your PFD and sticks well above the water surface—much easier to see than your bobbin’ noggin alone.
This is a good tool for getting found from a distance and from the air.
Whereas voices might be drowned out by engine noise on passing boats, a whistle might just pierce the rumble. It’s also a tool for helping rescuers find you in the dark. Give one to your companion for added volume.
This might be the only thing a passing boat can see if you’re in the water between sunset and sunrise.
The bright reflection of the sun can alert other boats and people on shore of your dilemma. It’s a simple, easy-to-carry tool that I wish I’d had when I was in the water.
This is handy to have aboard when you don’t sink—and if you get rescued and have cuts or abrasions, there’s no guarantee your rescuers will have one with antibiotic salve or bandages. Might as well come aboard with your own.