April 2010 Archives

April 27, 2010

Ride Straight State to State Event Coming to Panama City

Motorcyclists from Georgia, Alabama and Florida are riding with one cause in mind - to promote riding straight and to never drink and ride. The motorcyclists from Georgia and Alabama will meet up with the Florida cyclists at the Florida Welcome Center on US231, which is located at the Florida-Alabama state line.

There will be a welcoming committee consisting of local media and law enforcement to greet the motorcyclists as they arrive at the welcome center. Lunch will be provides for all followed by a ride together along US231 to Panama City to attend Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally.

Anyone wanting to participate and take the vow - None for the Road - is encouraged to meet at the welcome center on Thursday, April 29 at 12 noon. Please also be sure to wear appropriate protective gear including DOT approved helmets during the event.

April 20, 2010

Safe Boating in the Florida Panhandle

Memorial Day is right around the corner. Warm weather is already here and many are planning their weekends, which often include outdoor activities such as swimming and boating. The National Safe Boating Council has named the week of May 22 through May 28th as National Safe Boating Week for 2010. Their goal is to promote safe boating by conducting a series of on-going national campaigns. Their website has a variety of safe boating courses, details of their safe boating campaigns and other resources to assist anyone wanting to enjoy their time on the water and stay safe at the same time.

All too often, there are reports of boating accidents. In 80% of all fatal boating accidents, the cause of death is drowning. In 90% of those drownings, the person was not wearing a life vest. Even the best swimmer can get into trouble in rough waters especially if the accident results in an injury or if the person is knocked unconscious. Wearing a life vest will keep you afloat until help arrives or you're able to recover enough to swim to a nearby floating object.

Life vests (or jackets) have come a long way since the bulky over-the-head devices were designed. Life vests are designed with the size and weight of the person wearing it in mind. It's important to read the recommendation to be sure you and your family members are wearing the appropriate size and type of life vest. Putting a life vest on your child that is too large can result in them slipping out of it if tossed in the water unexpectedly. Wearing one designed for a lighter weight may not keep you afloat when you need it to. Each are designed for a purpose; general purpose would be sufficient in a pool setting whereas you would want to be sure your child is wearing a life vest suitable for boating if you intend on spending the day on the ocean with the family. Life vests range in price from relatively cheap to upwards of $50 or more, it all depends on the type of life vest and its intended purpose. This is not an area to skimp or be looking for bargains when you make your decision to buy one. If taken care of, this investment will last a long time and may be responsible in saving your life one day.

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