1. MN had its deadliest boating szn in 16 yrs.
17 people lost their lives in boating-related drownings and crashes…the highest number since ‘05. Super sad stuff.
> “…16 [of the 17] were not known to be wearing life jackets when they went into the water. Some of them fell unexpectedly into the water, while others jumped in and experienced some sort of trouble that prevented them from getting back to their boat. The DNR recommends people always wear a life jacket when they’re on the water, but it’s especially important during the cold-water season, when expected falls in can incapacitate even the strongest swimmers in a matter of minutes.”
And unfortunately that # is likely to go up still ‘cuz each year “about 30% of boating-related fatalities happen during the cold-water periods of spring and fall.” The DNR classifies cold water as < 70°F.
I plan to bundle up and do some night trolling tonight…reading all this confirms I’ll be strapping on one of my Onyx inflatable life vests. Don’t care what you have for a PFD – just wear it – they won’t do any good stuffed in a cubby….
2. TH Marine being sold…
…to OneWater Marine for approx $185 mil. Did a double take when I read the headline because T-H Marine had made 4 acquisitions of their own in 2021 (believe 14 total now) so thought I had misread who was buying who. Reminds me of this:
