Worst feeling I have ever had

[RC104ever]

Wow, I am so glad to hear that this story has a happy ending! As a parent its your worst nightmare but let's all count our blessings today and going forward - you never know what may happen in the future. Enjoy every day!

[Niki]

I was building Lego with my younger kid in the morning and while stretching my legs for a while I read this topic... huh... scary... went fast back to play with him.
Good to hear everyone is ok.

-Niki-

[Seabass]

We have an EPIRB on the boat I own, but it is too big for someone to carry. I am buying a personal EPIRB for her tomorrow so she can take it with her when she goes out with friends.

An EPIRB for those not familiar with it is a GPS transmitting device that will transmit up to 72 hours if you are in the water which will guide rescue to the exact location of the device. The personal one doesn't last as long as the industrial one I have on the boat but it would have worked perfect last night. $250 is chump change when it comes to a life being saved.

This was a real eye opener and reinforces my wish that she not go with anyone else other than me on the water. Of course I cant completely keep her from going with other friends and family out on the water, but now she will have her own personal rescue beacon at all times. I have warned her of the dangers when a current takes you away but she never got to experience it for herself until now. She learned a life long lesson last night and it could have been much much worst. The forecast yesterday and today is 3-5 ft seas, and if she would have missed that island, the next one would have been 12 miles out into the gulf. Super scary stuff last night.

Guys if you have children who love the beach/lake or live near the coast, make sure you educate them on being safe in the water and make sure they have a life vest on. Had those girls not had on life vests this likely would have been a topic I don't even want to think about.

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. I am typically not one to talk about personal affairs but this just caused too much stress for me and I needed to talk to someone, even if it was my 10Talk friends online.

Jake

[sandkil]

Glad they are ok and you. and thank god they were wearing life wests. That is a must at sea.
A tip for all is to stay with the boat for as long as possible even though it's taking on water. It is easier to spot a boat than a person in the water.

[askbob]

Jake, I think I about had a panic attack reading that. I could not imagine how I'd react in that situation. Sounds like the kids had a hell of a scare too.

[flipwils11]

Sorry I'm late to the topic. Thanks for sharing Jake and I'm so glad that things turned out ok. As a father of 2 I can only imagine one hundredth of the panic you must have been feeling.

Also thanks for the tips on the GPS device. We go out when we visit my in-laws in FL frequently and this was a good reminder about boat safety and precautions.

[edwin pibal]

that's some scary stuff right there Jake!

Im not sure what I would have done in your position, im very "touch my daughter and ill hurt you bad" and she is only four!


main thing is that they are all safe!

ed

[klavy69]

Jake,

glad to hear all turned out good...had me scared to read on after the first few sentences. Have a 13 year old daughter myself but have been lucky that she doesn't like to be in water she can't see the bottom in. Living on the murky mississippi means she always goes in with a lifejacket on. You could always lock her in her room til she's 35 years old and ready to date...thats what I tell mine anyway

Todd