CPW reminds the public to wear life vests

As stand-up paddle boards become more and more popular, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds paddlers to wear personal floatation devices when using this watercraft.

He had not wear a PFD and fell off his board when the wind picked up and stirred the water. He had to be rescued by park rangers. His wife, who was wearing a life safety jacket, also fell off her board but was able to swim to shore.

"So many people see paddleboards as low risk, but if you fall off your board into cold water you can get into trouble very quickly," said Kirstin Copeland, manager at Ridgway State Park.

On rivers or reservoirs, if a paddleboarder falls off there is no guarantee that the board will remain within reach. In rivers, the board can be pulled away by the current. In lakes, a board can be pushed away quickly by the wind.

The danger is amplified on reservoirs and ponds in the afternoons in Colorado when fast-moving storms bring high winds and stir up waves. Water temperature is also a factor; even though the weather has been hot recently, water in rivers and reservoirs remain in the 50-degree range which will quickly impair swimming ability.

According to CPW regulations, on any watercraft, the number of life jackets on board must match the number of passengers. Anyone 13 years or younger, when on the water, must wear a life jacket at all times. Every kind of craft is subject to the Regulations, including paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, sailboats, and sailboards.

Last year at Ridgway State Park four adults who were not wearing life jackets had to be rescued after falling from paddleboards. Two youngsters who were wearing adult-sized life jackets with reflective tape also had to rescue. The ill-fitting PFDs did not support them in the Water properly. Children must be fitted with properly sized PFDs.

"Anything can happen at any time on the water, so we urge people to be cautious and consider their own and their loved one’s safety while they’re enjoying the water," Copeland said.

Fire Department records high attendance at weekend changing rooms

This weekend, the Military Fire Department was in full swing on the busiest beaches in the state. In all of them, actions were carried out to prevent and advise vacationers who passed through the spa, also remembering the importance of environmental awareness. The Firefighters' School of Life program, which works with children in the changing rooms, was introduced to the little ones. At Atalaia beach, in Salinópolis, besides the site preservation campaign, the firefighters attended several occurrences inside and outside the water.

In all, more than 270 calls were made in the main resorts of the state. Just this Sunday (21), the service of Life Guard of the Military Fire Department attended, in total, 166 occurrences. Salinópolis came first with 48 records in total, followed by Mosqueiro with 25; Ajuruteua with 22 and Outeiro with 20 occurrences on the beaches. The most frequent were sharps accidents, localized child, marine animal accident, emergency transport care, and excoriation. In all, 5,735 warnings and various guidelines were recorded during the prevention of lifeguards on the state beaches, only on Sunday.

On Saturday (20), the Military Fire Department attended, in total, 71 occurrences in the changing rooms. The largest number was registered in Mosqueiro, with 13 calls, followed by the beaches of Crispim and Salinópolis (12); Outeiro (09); and Beja (05). In Salinas, accidents with sharp objects were recorded; localized child; an accident with sea animals; emergency transport; kite line injury and excoriation. On the 20th, there were 2,491 warnings and miscellaneous guidance by the lifeguards, according to firefighters in the region.

Another resort that recorded a lot of movement over the weekend was Marudá beach, inMarapanim. Considered a great option for bathers to enjoy the sea bath, it was found an increase in the flow of vacationers who frequent the beach at this time of year. Thus, the Firefighters of the Castanhal Group did the prevention with its effective, also acting in the beaches of Crispim, Algodoal, and Camará, located in the same region. According to the commander of the prevention of lifeguard, Captain J. Ferreira, the most common occurrences in the health resort are the accidents with marine animals and small cuts by sharp objects found in the sand.

Two cases of drowning children mobilized search teams this Sunday (21), in Salinópolis and Cametá. Lifeguards were called in to respond to a missing occurrence on Farol Velho beach in Salinópolis. Henrique dos Santos Costa, 11, a resident of Paragominas, went on a picnic with his aunt and friends. According to the responsible report, the boy disappeared while bathing in the sea. The searches made by divers and lifeguards supported by the Air Group helicopter, but until 6 pm Sunday, it was unsuccessful in finding the child. The search resumed this morning (22).

In Cametá, firefighters responded to another occurrence of child drowning. The victim's body was found on Sunday night (21). Emanuel Santos Teixeira, 5, a resident of Curralinho, Marajó, was with his mother in a caravan on Aldeia beach, when, around 3:15 pm, he disappeared near his acquaintances in the resort.

Atalaia beach, in Salinópolis, was the perfect place for the practice of kitesurfing, a water sport that mixes the use of a kite with a surfboard, to enjoy the winds to surf over the waters. Those who circulated along the beach easily came across dozens of sports practitioners. Among them, the youngest kiteboarder in Pará. At just 11 years old, Elroy Ribeiro Teixeira was training alongside his father Elielson Teixeira, to participate, for the first time, in a competition of this sport in the beginner sport. Residents on the island of Maiandeua, better known as Algodoal, district of the municipality of Maracanã, northeast of Pará, the two went to Salinópolis, where the boy will compete.

With three years of experience in kitesurfing, Eielson passed all the lessons to her son who has been practicing the sport for a year. "It all started when I sold my house in Algodoal and with that, I came to Salinópolis, where I met and learned to practice sports," he says. When playing the sport, explains Eielson, safety is critical. For him, the life jacket with reflective tape is essential to ensure the safety of those who practice the sport. The Firefighters attentive to advise on care in the practice of kitesurfing and provide care in case of accidents during sports. There was no record of any accident with practitioners of the sport over the weekend in the municipality.

Between 18 and 21, the Department of Traffic of the State of Pará registered 502 violations. Of these, 116 were for driving with the vehicle without registration or a proper license and to alcohol, which is the act of driving under the influence of alcohol or any other psychoactive substance that determines addiction. Another 14 refusals of refusal to undergo a test, clinical examination, expertise or other procedure to certify influence of alcohol or other psychoactive substance.

Also, 75 violations recorded for failing to keep the daylight low, in tunnels provided with street lighting and on highways, and 23 violations for driving a motorcycle, scooter or moped without wearing a safety helmet with visor or goggles and reflective clothing with the norms and specifications approved by the National Traffic Council.

Surveillance increases for motorbike law enforcement

Belo Horizonte has already started overseeing moto boys, and it was not difficult to find anyone who does not follow Contran's security resolution.

In a city company with 20 hired moto boys, eight were not working on Monday (4) because they did not adapt to the new rules. "I have a huge demand for new companies, but I won't be able to meet," says businesswoman Jacqueline Grundner.

Contran's resolution requires the motor-vehicle vehicle to contain a wax-cut antenna, reflective chest strap, leg protection, and red rental plate. Already the driver must be over 21 years, more than two years of qualification in category A, wear a reflective helmet and reflective vest and be approved in a specialized course for motorcycle.

Motofretista Ronaldo Vilela only enrolled in a free course on January 24th. Vacancy, there will only be in March. "Standing, waiting, the situation, to see what we are going to do," he says.

Both companies and motorbike drivers can be penalized if they do not comply with the new requirements of the law. Traffic authorities in each state have the autonomy to decide how to enforce enforcement.

In Rio de Janeiro, according to Detran, for now, for the next four months, the supervision will only be educational. In São Paulo, the inspection begins this Tuesday (5), according to the Military Police.

In Belo Horizonte, it has already begun. One of the bikes lacked safety features. The fines go to the company, owner of the vehicle. The boy, who owns the motorcycle, received all the fines in his name. The red plate, leg guard, and motorbike course were missing.

Ronaldo Vilela, who was all within the law, was released. "There was enough time for everyone to be regularized and lawful, understand? You can't complain," he says.

Pilgrimage of the Divine Eternal Father begins this Friday in Trinity

Begins this Friday, the traditional Feast of the Divine Father Eternal, in Trindade, in the Metropolitan Region. 3 million devotees are expected over the next ten days. The program of the party includes masses, novenas, blessings and the traditional parade of careers. Also, shows with Father Fábio de Melo and Sérgio Reis and an exhibition about the culture of Goiás.

The pilgrims are already on the road to Trinity, whether on foot, by car, by mule or by horse, many come from other states to reinforce their devotion to the Divine Eternal Father.

Those who prefer to hike from Padre Pelagio terminal, where begins the Rodovia dos Romeiros. In this way, it is 18 km on foot to the Basilica Sanctuary, the route is done in four or five hours, on average.

During the course, pilgrims can count on the support of the Goiás Volunteer Organization (OVG) tent with the Romeiro Support Center, which offers a structure to serve snacks and also for rest.

To avoid accidents while walking, the Federal Highway Police (PRF) recommends some precautions such as: walking along the shoulder against the road; wear the reflective vest for easy viewing; Avoid crossing the track and walking in Indian queue. And also health care: wear comfortable shoes; wear light reflective clothing and hats to protect yourself from the sun; use sunscreen; drink a lot of water; take small snacks; Avoid the hot sun from 10 am to 4 pm and in case of foot blisters, stop and watch for gravity.

The Metropolitan Company of Public Transportation (CMTC), informs that it has reinforced the number of buses to serve the pilgrims who pass through the Padre Pelagio Terminal. Extra vehicles will be placed on line 112 - Terminal Trindade / Padre Pelagio until June 7th.

The patrol was reinforced in the city. About 3,000 military police will take care of security. The Civil Police set up four posts: the Basilica, the Parish Church, the 1st Police District, which will operate 24 hours, and the regional headquarters. At these points, people can report and report occurrences. Fire Department Ambulances are also scattered at strategic points in the city.

Airbags for motorcyclists of traffic police

While police officers in Greece do not have basic items for their safety, even bulletproof safety vests are sometimes forced to buy at their own expense, in Cyprus, tenders have already been announced for the purchase of special airbags with vests, while internal a study to renew their uniforms and gloves to provide road safety. These changes are due to the increased risks that motorcyclists face daily.

A recent motorcycle bomber of the Nicosia Traffic Squadron (EMCO) was involved in a car crash, resulting in severe injuries because the special safety jacket he wore did not respond as the airbags did not open.

Police cyclists from other countries equipped with modern suits that carry airbags that protect the vertebra up and down the sides.

As the "Phileleftheros" writes, the vest fitted with airbags carries a rope whose end is tied to the machine.

In the event of overturning the motorcycle, the airbag, which through a gas cylinder, fills the air immediately protects the rider. Last Friday, an announcement was published to supply vests with an airbag activation system that can be activated by applying pressure from a cable that is fixed to the motorcycle. As explained in "F", such modern equipment will be given to the members of the Presidential Guard accompanying the President of the Republic by motorcycles, the members of the "Z" team and the EOMO supervising the motorways.

The study prepared by the Traffic Department at the Police Headquarters provides for the supply of winter and summer uniforms to motorcyclists as well as special gloves and other necessary protective equipment. Once the study has been examined and approved, the procurement of specialized uniforms will proceed to ensure the safety of cyclists who are exposed daily on the streets. In addition to illegal drivers, Police motorcyclists are involved in the fight against crime, since they are the first to reach a scene and can be involved in pursuing wanted persons in cases of robbery or other criminal activities.

Meanwhile, in a traffic jam campaign in the first half of June, 4,168 checks were done in Cyprus, while 367 drivers were found driving under the influence of alcohol. Also, 35 drivers were screened for driving under the influence of drugs, with 26 positive results.

Coast Guard credits life jacket, whistle for woman's survival

A 57-year-old woman spent 14 terrifying hours in rough weather and choppy seas after she was tossed from a jet ski into Lake Erie.

Rescuers, who searched for her through the night, credit the woman's life jacket with keeping her alive.

"There were three jet skis they were traveling from Put-in-Bay back to the Portage River," said Chief Warrant Officer Bethannie Kittrell, commanding officer for the Marblehead Coast Guard Station.

At about 8 p.m. Sunday, the Coast Guard station received a call that a 57-year-old woman had fallen off her jet ski and disappeared in 5 to 6 foot's waves on Lake Erie. Crews from Michigan, Canada, and local police departments joined the local Coast Guard to search by boat and by air.

"Around 1 a.m., we did find the jet ski. She was not on the jet ski so we continued the search efforts," Kittrell said.

The commanding officer said just before 10 a.m. Monday, 14 hours after she fell into the water, the woman was found.

"A fishing boat coming out of the Portage River saw somebody in the water, waving her arms and they went over and they were able to pull her on board the boat," Kittrell said.

The Coast Guard said the woman had drifted about 4 and a half nautical miles through the night. They said because the woman was wearing a life jacket, zipped and buckled properly, she survived.

"She was extremely exhausted, dehydrated, extremely hypothermic, and they were able to return her to the Port Clinton police dock in the Portage River and get her to EMS and take her to the hospital from there," Kittrell said.

The woman also had a whistle with her, but her life jacket was black, which made it difficult to locate her. The Coast Guard recommended a bright colored safety vest, strobe light or retro-reflective tape.

"If you're trying to put your life jacket on in an emergency, it's like trying to put your seatbelt on when you're going through a car crash," Kittrell said.

The woman, who remained in the hospital Monday night, has not been identified.

Rescue teams covered almost 700 square miles during their search.

The jet ski had an automatic shut off, but the current swept it away from the woman faster than she could swim back to it. The Lake Erie water temperature was 79 degrees.

Does reflective and fluorescent clothing make us safer?

We cyclists are the most vulnerable of all road users. We're up to 30 times more likely to get injured on the road than drivers are, and up to 18 times more likely to get killed.

They're concerning stats, and it's up to all of us to ensure we're as visible as possible while riding on the road. But how do we do that? Is it simply a case of wearing brighter reflective clothing? And what about when it comes to riding at night? CyclingTips Australian editor Matt de Neef investigates.

Every cyclist has a story to tell of the time a driver did not see them, leading to a scary near-miss or worse, a crash. And if you've been riding for any length of time, you've probably been involved in several such incidents yourself.

This experience is not just borne out anecdotally - research suggests that the majority of crashes involving a cyclist and motor vehicle are a case of "looked but failed to see". That is, incidents where the driver might well have been looking in the direction of the cyclist, but failed to recognize that what they were seeing was a cyclist. There's a reason SMIDSY - "Sorry mate, I did not see you" has become such a familiar acronym among cyclists.

Several factors can make a cyclist hard to spot, including 'visual clutter' on or beside the roadway, the light conditions at the time and, crucially, the conspicuity of the rider.

STAYING VISIBLE

There have been many studies in recent decades investigating how "visibility aids" affect the ease with which drivers can spot cyclists on the road. In a 2009 literature review, nine papers were found that compared the visibility of fluorescent and non-fluorescent colors. All but one of those nine trials found that fluorescent colors were more visible to drivers. Fluorescent clothing in red, yellow and orange colors that contrast significantly with the riding environment was found to be most effective1.

Another paper, published in 2007 by researchers in New Zealand, compared the number of time cyclists spent off work as a result of crashes involving a motor vehicle. They found that riders who never wore fluorescent cycling kit spent eight times as much time away from work as riders who always wore such clothing.

Studies like these seem to point in a clear direction: riders who wear fluorescent cycling gear are not just more visible to drivers, they're also less likely to be hit and injured.

But this is only part of the story because such findings are only relevant when considering riding in daylight.

NIGHT RIDING

Whether it's commuting to and from work in the winter months or heading out for a pre-dawn bunch ride, most of us do at least some of our riding in the dark. And as you might expect (or may have witnessed first-hand) riding at night is more dangerous than during the day. Some 35% of all fatal cycling crashes happen at night, despite the fact, only about 10% of cyclists ride after dark.

While fluorescent clothing is effective at increasing rider visibility during the day, it's largely useless at night.

During the day, fluorescent clothing takes ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun - the light we cannot see and converts it into the light we can see. The result is an increase in the total amount of visible light that's reflected off the clothing, giving fluoro clothing a brighter appearance. This is particularly the case in low-light conditions, around dawn and dusk.

At night, there's no UV sunlight to convert, so the fluorescent material is not effective. And so for cyclists to be as visible as possible in the dark, reflective, rather than fluorescent clothing, is required.

REFLECTIVE CLOTHING

It's intuitively obvious that reflective clothing makes us more visible in low-light conditions. Rather than being absorbed by our clothing, light from car headlights and streetlights is reflected nearby drivers, making us more visible than we otherwise would have been.

Jackets with reflective fabrics are the most common piece of reflective gear used by cyclists but, perhaps surprisingly, they do not seem to be the most effective.

In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Professor Joanne Wood from the Queensland University of Technology leads a team of researchers focused on cyclist visibility and the benefits of reflective clothing. In a study published in 2010, Wood and her team tested the night-time visibility of a range of different clothing setups used by cyclists:

a) a black tracksuit

b) a black tracksuit and a fluorescent yellow cycling vest with no reflective markings

c) a black tracksuit and a jacket with reflective markings

d) a black tracksuit, a jacket with reflective markings and reflective strips positioned on the cyclist's ankles and knees.

The results are striking: "Overall, drivers identified the largest number of cyclists wearing the vest plus the ankle and knee reflectors (90% correctly recognized), followed by the reflective vest alone (50%), the fluorescent clothing (15%) and lastly black clothing (2%)."

These results mirror research findings on the visibility of pedestrians at night and can be explained by a concept known as biological motion - that is, "our visual sensitivity to patterns of human motion".

A reflective jacket, while more effective than simple black clothing, limits reflective material to the rider's torso which, according to Professor Wood and her colleagues "presents much less motion information to approaching drivers".

Reflective strips on the knees and ankles, on the other hand, move up and down as the cyclist moves, helping drivers to better recognize the object in front of them as a moving cyclist, as opposed to a simple light source3.

This finding seems to lead to an obvious recommendation for cyclists: if you want to maximize your safety at night, do not just wear reflective clothing; ensure that the reflective clothing includes reflective strips worn on the ankles and knees.

But as we know, road cyclists can be a fickle, fashion-conscious bunch.

FASHION VS SAFETY

Researchers have long shown that cyclists know the benefits of reflective clothing but choose not to wear it. This might not be surprising when considering the fashion- and performance-conscious road riding scene.

Reflective clothing has traditionally lacked the aesthetic appeal and performance of other, more stylish kit options, while also being associated with casual or commuter riding. But now, with major kit brands getting on board, reflective gear is being designed for the performance market.

The fact the big road cycling brands have moved into the reflective clothing space is significant.

High-visibility jackets, for instance, have been around for years, but only recently have they become effective as cycling jackets in their own right, keeping riders protected from rain and the cold. Now that such clothing functions as road cyclists expect it to - as a jacket and as a safety device - and because the big brands are now designing reflective pieces with the fashion-conscious road market in mind, wearing safer cycling kit has seemingly become more acceptable than ever.

ON REFLECTION

Some studies suggest as little as one-third of cyclists wear reflective gear while cycling. But in light of the recent growth of the reflective cycling kit market, it could be time for new research to see whether more riders are now wearing such clothing.

In the meantime, it should be clear that there are steps we can all take to ensure we're as easy to spot on the road as possible:

For maximum visibility during the day, cycling kit should be as bright as possible, ideally fluorescent.

When riding at night, fluoro gear should be traded for clothing that's as reflective as possible, with particular attention paid to the knees and ankles.

The use of strong front and rear lights should be a given.

No rider wants to be less safe on the road, but until now it's been something of a trade-off safer clothing that does not protect from the elements and does not look great, vs clothing that does protect from the elements and does look good but is not as easy to see. It would seem that with recent developments in the kit industry, riders can now have the best of both worlds.