During the 2018 Chicago Yacht Club (CYC) Race to Mackinac, a fatal accident involving a malfunctioning auto-inflate PFD tragically claimed the life of experienced sailor Jon Santarelli. In February, the CYC released a report analyzing what took place during the incident, and provided important lessons meant to enhance safety within the boating community and updated safety regulations for future races.
The report recommends regularly checking auto- inflating PFDs for functionality; practicing drills for boating handling in crisis situations; knowing what to watch for in drowning situations; and knowing man overboard procedures.
Read the report at chicagoyachtclub.org.
