Press Release
Gulf Coast News Urges Boaters to Invest in EPIRB Technology for Safety
Marco Island, Fla. — As boating season approaches, Capt. Randy Yanez from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness by recommending the purchase of an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). "When your boat is sinking, you don’t know if you’re going to have 10 seconds or 10 minutes," Yanez stated during an exclusive demonstration of the technology that aids in rescuing stranded boaters.
An EPIRB is a portable, battery-powered device activated during emergencies such as storms, shipwrecks, or man-overboard situations. Once activated, it continuously transmits a distress signal to satellites managed by the international COSPAS-SARSAT program. This global initiative, which involves 45 countries and 65 satellites, allows the FWC to quickly locate the beacon, providing accuracy within 330 feet in open waters. This precision is crucial during the "golden day," the critical first 24 hours post-incident when survival chances are highest.
"This technology is life-saving, especially in fast-moving emergencies," Yanez added, stressing that having an EPIRB can significantly boost a boater’s chances of survival. EPIRBs come in both personal and boat-mounted models, with some equipped with hydrostatic release mechanisms that activate automatically when submerged.
Officer Morgan Zeleny echoed these sentiments, noting that water conditions like current, tide, and wind can dramatically affect a person’s location after a mishap. "Providing us with the most accurate location possible is critical," Zeleny said.
The FWC encourages all boaters to have an EPIRB on board and to familiarize themselves with its operation—these actions could be pivotal in ensuring a safe return home.
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