URGENT: Cruiser's Boat Kid missing from boardwalk/marina in Kemah Texas.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by zeehag

petition marinas for installation of ladders of some sort on docks for folks and critters to exit the water, as we all know there aint such items in place at this time anywhere...............

Not true. Many marinas have ladders or other rescue devices, the problem is that if they are in the water, barnacles grow on them. Counting on a small child to find and use a ladder is not practical. What is practical for children is wearing PFDs. Not a bad idea for adults either but we hope adult boaters can figure out to find a boat with a swim ladder and use it.

[transmitterdan]

So sorry this is the outcome. Agree that small children should always wear PFD.

There are self rescue ladders that pull down easily and don't get barnacles. In many places the water is cold so these ladders are very important.

[Astrid]

Just breaks my heart to hear such a sad ending.

[thebootlegger]

This breaks my heart!!

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by rwidman

Not true. Many marinas have ladders or other rescue devices, the problem is that if they are in the water, barnacles grow on them. Counting on a small child to find and use a ladder is not practical. What is practical for children is wearing PFDs. Not a bad idea for adults either but we hope adult boaters can figure out to find a boat with a swim ladder and use it.

Some do but I would say the vast majority don't.

Last spring we came across an older gentleman who had fallen in and couldn't get out. I'm a big fairly strong guy and I couldn't come close to pulling him out. All I could really do was hang on to him as he quickly lost strength in the cold water. Luckily the local police boat pulled into the gas dock a few minutes later and with 4 of us we got a rope around him and with much effort pulled him out. An easily used ladder would have had him out before he started losing strength. A few cuts from marine growth would have been a good trade off if the police hadn't shown up.

[Ocean Girl]

Family is asking if you want to donate to donate to Texas EquusearchÂ*|Â*Mounted Search and Recovery they found her when others had given up.

[CruisingKitty]

Our hearts are broken for this young family, and a candle is lit for sweet little Kitty.

[Nicholson58]

So sad. As a parent, grandparent, I can imagine the grief.

Years ago I raced out of Lakeside in Cleveland. Over the course a very few years, three young people were lost to drowning. Since the floatation for 14 years & under/ on dock or boat rule was instituted, no subsequent losses. At least twice one of my own toddlers fell in. Sometimes you don't eve hear the splash. Fortunately, we only needed to deal with wet clothes.

Its good to note along any dock area where the safety ladders are and point them out to your kids & guests. What is noteworthy is the number of public places without any ladders.

[PDScott]

There will be lots of time for debate over safety issues. Right now the famly nees our support. We as cruisers need to rally around them and give them hope and love. The loss is immeasurable. PD

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

Last spring we came across an older gentleman who had fallen in and couldn't get out. I'm a big fairly strong guy and I couldn't come close to pulling him out. .........

Again, use a nearby boat's swim ladder. There can't be a dock ladder everyplace and boats may be in the way. Also, throw the person a life ring.

Small children are helpless, that's the reason for the PFDs even if they are not on a boat underway.

[Ocean Girl]

If you want to show support, many are turning on their anchor lights for Kitty this weekend.

[Jason Flare]

Prayers sent for Kitty and her family.