I recently read a fascinating story in the Coast Guard News of a boating rescue in New York. A boat with six people aboard, including an infant and young child, struck a submerged object and were taking on water fast. Apparently, for some unknown reason, they could not or did not call for help, but someone on shore heard the sound of the collision in the dark and telephoned the nearest Coast Guard Station, which sent out a rescue boat. While the rescue craft was searching in the dark for the stricken boat, one of the passengers, realizing they weren't being seen, downloaded an app on his phone to send out a flashing SOS light beacon. The Coast Guard credited this signal for helping them find the boat in time for a safe rescue. Of course, it's better to have flares and other safety equipment aboard for emergencies, but it doesn't seem a bad idea to also have an SOS app on your phone or tablet. Here's a good selection of free apps to choose one for your device - just in case.
