GatorChaser
Well-known member
FWC SUGGESTS LIFE JACKETS AS CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA
December 12, 2006
Contacts: Carol Pratt (850) 488-4676
Brian Rehwinkel (850) 488-5600
This time of year, it would be especially tragic to lose a loved one. Unfortunately, all too often, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is called to investigate boating accidents which result in drowning deaths, during the holidays as well as throughout the year.
The death of her son, just prior to the Christmas holiday, was how Gay Kite became involved with FWC.
Gay Kite said her son, John, was someone who loved the outdoors and a good swimmer. John and a friend, Allan Morone, died while boating on Half Moon Lake, near Ocala, Dec. 19, 2004. FWC investigated their deaths.
“I worried about him driving his motorcycle,� Kite said.
John and Morone were testing a new boat motor, which may have been too large for their small johnboat, on the lake near Kite’s home. Investigators suspect water came over the stern and flooded the vessel. Neither of the men was wearing a life jacket.
“I never thought this would happen in my own backyard,� Kite said.
John was 23 years old when he died. Morone was 22 and had served with the Marines in Iraq. They had been friends since elementary school.
As a way of coping with her son’s death, Kite educates others on the importance of wearing life jackets all the time while out on the water.
“People don’t realize how quick something can happen,� Kite said. “I live and breathe it (the loss of her son) every day. It’s not something you get over.�
Kite and FWC are encouraging friends and relatives of boating enthusiasts to give life jackets for Christmas and other holidays. “Give a gift to save a life,� Capt. Richard Moore, FWC’s Boating Law Administrator, said.
Kite said she has bought two this season to give as presents. The price of the new type of comfortable, inflatable life jackets starts at around $60.
So far this year, nearly 70 deaths have been attributed to boating accidents statewide.
December 12, 2006
Contacts: Carol Pratt (850) 488-4676
Brian Rehwinkel (850) 488-5600
This time of year, it would be especially tragic to lose a loved one. Unfortunately, all too often, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is called to investigate boating accidents which result in drowning deaths, during the holidays as well as throughout the year.
The death of her son, just prior to the Christmas holiday, was how Gay Kite became involved with FWC.
Gay Kite said her son, John, was someone who loved the outdoors and a good swimmer. John and a friend, Allan Morone, died while boating on Half Moon Lake, near Ocala, Dec. 19, 2004. FWC investigated their deaths.
“I worried about him driving his motorcycle,� Kite said.
John and Morone were testing a new boat motor, which may have been too large for their small johnboat, on the lake near Kite’s home. Investigators suspect water came over the stern and flooded the vessel. Neither of the men was wearing a life jacket.
“I never thought this would happen in my own backyard,� Kite said.
John was 23 years old when he died. Morone was 22 and had served with the Marines in Iraq. They had been friends since elementary school.
As a way of coping with her son’s death, Kite educates others on the importance of wearing life jackets all the time while out on the water.
“People don’t realize how quick something can happen,� Kite said. “I live and breathe it (the loss of her son) every day. It’s not something you get over.�
Kite and FWC are encouraging friends and relatives of boating enthusiasts to give life jackets for Christmas and other holidays. “Give a gift to save a life,� Capt. Richard Moore, FWC’s Boating Law Administrator, said.
Kite said she has bought two this season to give as presents. The price of the new type of comfortable, inflatable life jackets starts at around $60.
So far this year, nearly 70 deaths have been attributed to boating accidents statewide.