April 18, 2007
They Should Have Worn The Kill Switch Lanyard
Can you imagine the damage that could have been caused if this was a hard sided boat?
Photo Credit: Peter Morris
Here’s an example of just how important wearing the kill switch lanyard while operating a powerboat is. Had the operator of this boat only had his lanyard on, this accident would have been avoided. Luckily in this instance, no one was hurt.
Wearing the kill switch lanyard is essential in preventing accidents like this one. If the operator had the lanyard clipped to his belt or lifejacket when he fell overboard, the lanyard would have triggered the kill switch, which in turn would have immediately stopped the engine and the boat would have come to a stop.
The lanyard is a very simple, yet extremely effective safety precaution that all boat operators should wear while on the water – just like a lifejacket. However, if you don’t like the idea of having something attached to your wrist or belt, there are some new high tech kill switch lanyards that are based on wireless technology. Check it out! Regardless of what you choose – I recommend that whenever you’re on a boat by yourself (even if you’re out with others) be sure to connect the safety lanyard.
Posted by ribcraftusa at April 18, 2007 10:45 AM
Comments
Kill switches are not just for when you're alone in the boat. The operator of any small boat should try to always wear it. If the operator, who's holding onto throttle & wheel can get pitched from his position, what would happen to the passengers when the boat is careening about?
I'm guilty of operating without the kill cord attached, but it's a simple enough safety/responsibility thing, sort of like wearing your seatbelt in a car, except that not wearing a kill cord has far greater potential implications for the safety of others.
Posted by: Dan at April 21, 2007 09:31 AM
The kill switch is essential. I managed to throw myself out of my Ribcraft 5.85 while getting some air. Fortunately the lanyard killed the engine as I left the boat leaving me with only a short swim. I was alone in the boat and would have been in a very dangerous and expensive predicament had I not been wearing my lanyard.
We also need to check the operation of the kill switch every time we go out. My Yamaha switch failed after three years use. The engine would still run and the kill switch would have no effect.
Colin Cameron
Ribcraft 5.85, Grayslake IL
Posted by: Colin Cameron at May 15, 2007 03:26 PM
