Ever Heard Of A Marine Safety Whistle? Here's What You Need To Know
If you love spending time on boats or near the water, you probably know all about the importance of safety equipment. From Coast Guard-approved life jackets to two-way text satellite communication, safety is every boater's top priority. Among these essential tools is a marine safety whistle, an effective but old-school solution.
Here's a closer look at what a marine safety whistle is and why you should have at least one onboard.
What Is a Marine Safety Whistle?
Marine safety whistles are small but mighty signaling devices that can save your life in an emergency situation. They are compact, lightweight, and can easily fit in your pocket, attach to a keychain, or hook onto a lanyard around your neck. They emit an extremely loud and high-pitched sound that can be heard up to a mile away, depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Who Uses Marine Safety Whistles?
Most people understand the need for larger vessels to have a horn, whistle, siren, or bell onboard for the safety of the passengers and crew. However, it is essential and possibly life-saving for boats of all sizes to have this type of safety equipment. Access to a marine safety whistle is essential for all boaters, kayakers, canoers, surfers, and personal watercraft owners. In fact, they are often required by law in many countries, including the United States, Canada, and Europe. The U.S. Coast Guard, for example, requires all vessels, from under 16 feet up to 65 feet, to have an efficient sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn, on board.
It is highly recommended to carry noise-producing safety equipment like a whistle when engaging in any water sports to use as an SOS signal and to draw attention to yourself if other boaters do not see you.
Why Are Marine Safety Whistles Important?
There are many benefits of a water safety whistle, including the following:
- Emergency signaling device
- Distress
- High-pitched
- Small and convenient
- No maintenance
- Easy to store
It is important to mention that you can blow the whistle in short bursts of five or more to indicate that you need help. The repeated high-pitched sound will attract the attention of rescuers or other nearby boaters, who can then respond to your call for help.
As part of basic safety equipment, marine safety whistles are inexpensive and widely available. The next time you hit the water, don't forget to bring along this small yet significant device because you never know when you may need it. Happy boating!
