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Nebulus Flotation Device - Boating Safety Uses?

I ran across an article about the Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device.

The University of Minnesota has recently teamed up with JTW Associates to develop the Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device. It is a self-inflating case that set ups quickly and allows a water or ice rescue to be executed by single individual without waiting for help.

How it works? Once the rip-cord is pulled, two pressurized carbon dioxide bottles pump up an enclosed lift bag which is proficient in providing momentary flotation for up to 1,000 lbs of the sunken vehicle and riders. The Nebulus Emergency Flotation Device retails for $525 and will likely be used by snowmobile and ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) enthusiasts.

There's video of the device being inflated at the Nebulus website.  Think this has any uses in the boating realm?  This could serve as a mini life raft for a boater.  It might come in hand for small boats in coastal or cold-water environments.

Woman Hurled into Water When Boat Engine Explodes

Peggy Willoughby was enjoying a peaceful day on Estero Bay, Florida until her boat's engine cover exploded launching her into the water.

WBBH - NBC2 had the details from Willoughby:

"It started chugging and Tom says it sounds like it's missing the spark plugs," said Willoughby.

Somehow the engine exploded and threw Willoughby across Estero Bay and into the water.

"Here I am in the water and I came up and started to panic," said Willoughby. "Then when I saw him standing there with the flames behind him - that's a picture hard to get out of your mind."

It's hard to imagine but as the Willoughbys were treading water and searching for help - a boater turned them away.

"One boat came. I'll be honest they didn't let us on. They said they were overloaded," said Willoughby.

Willoughby did not have a scratch on her body and her husband's arm was only slightly burned.

The Coast Guard pulled up the remains from the boat on Monday and the FWC will investigate what happened.

NBC2 has a video of the aftermath here.

PistolCam: Coming to a Handgun Near You?

Legend Technologies of Keeseville, NY in New York State’s Adirondack Park has developed Pistol-Cam ™ -- the first ever digital video recording device with full sound documenting activity after a handgun is released from its holster.

Pistol-Cam ™ is a compact digital video device packaged with an optional laser sight and a tactical flashlight.  Pistol-Cam ™ activates automatically upon the unholstering of a handgun and features up to 60 minutes of MPEG 4 digital video and audio in a compact 6-ounce package.

The City of Newburgh, NY Police Department, located in the lower Hudson Valley Region, has agreed to be the first police department in America to utilize Pistol-Cam ™ for training and pilot purposes.

Pistol-Cam ™ will retail for $695.00 with holster for the base model with additional pricing for other options. Pistol-Cam ™ mounts easily on current all modern handguns including Berretta, Smith and Wesson and Glock law enforcement models.

If your marine law enforcement agency uses this technology, let us know, we'd like to interview you.

Ky. Fish & Wildlife: Keep It a Safe Summer (KISS) PSA

The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife's PSA about drinking and boating:

Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resourses PSAs at YouTube

Tim Smalley, boating safety specialist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has uploaded on YouTube 19 public service announcements.  Tim is known for having some of the most creative PSAs in the boating safety realm.  Check them out today.  Here are a few of my favorites:

In a recent email, Tim offered the following advice for recreational boating safety folks who want to reach people via YouTube:

"The trick with posting videos so folks actually see them is using key words that people are bound to search for: "Boating Safety"  "PSA" and "Life Jackets" are fine, but also add things like "Fishing" (if it has a fisherman), "Beer" (if it is an anti-drinking and boating spot), "Funny" (if it is), "Drowning", "Accident", "Stupid", "Scary" (if it is, etc)."

Gloria Sandovol Talks Lifejackets with KCRA-TV