And now for something completely different! Safety balloon

This was spotted elsewhere, and sounds like something we could all add to our safety kits. I like the idea of a tethered helium-filled balloon with a high intensity flashing beacon 150 feet above, with a duration of up to a week. Didn't see this one coming!
http://gearjunkie.com/rescue-me-balloon-distress-signal

Hopefully it will get enough funding to enter production (Maybe Hobie could sell such a product?)

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Looks interesting, too bad we didn't hear of this during their funding period.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/65 ... me-balloon

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Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

Nice idea.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon

Top idea. I was just about to think that one up

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Sounds interesting but...

1. Would interfere with Coast Guard Helo rescue

2. Could be mistaken not as a distress signal, but a new way to kite fish from distance.

3. Not a universal sign of distress, stick to basics like VHF radio, AIS, PLB, flares, and smoke.

I take a more optimistic view...
1. Cut it free once the rescuers have found you - balloon gone before they get up close
2. Presumably the signal would be identical to that used at sea level
#. None of those was a universal sign of distress when they were introduced.

PS I have all those SOS tools on board, as well as sea marker dye, but I would add an SOS balloon if it became available, maybe it could also offer an extended aerial for the VHF to increase its limited range.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

As an inventor myself, I tend to think differently from most people and have a pretty keen awareness for stuff like this.
This one will be what we call a home run. Just wish I had thought of it lol.
In Florida last year a couple teens got lost at sea and couldn't be found, something like this would have saved their lives.
I'm pretty impressed and plan to get one.
FE

Just found this. I'm all for any gadget that gives you more safety options, I think this one assumes little wind?

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Fair Skies, Max.

Max, I would imagine that the balloon could withstand heaps of wind provided the line is strong enough

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Seems to me the balloon would be ideal for hoisting a small wire to be used for your VHF radio to give extended range.

Yes I'm sure the device is strong enough but woudnt the Balloon be pushed over 45 deg or more by a sailing wind?

Since it's attached to you then you are going with the wind whether you want to or not?

Is it recognised as a distress signal by ordinary people?

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Fair Skies, Max.

If someone is looking for you, anything that attracts attention will help them to find you quicker. Something as unusual as a balloon will surely attract attention.

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2015 TI Hibiscus " Bazinga"
Harbor Freight modified trailer with TI cradles
Heavy duty scupper cart with cradle
Hobie tramps- black

I thought a light antenna wire from a VHF radio would be a welcome addition to increase coms range. Secondly, if you are serious about rescue aids, advising the local rescue service of this new device in your posession seems a wise thing to do. In fact, before sales begin (say here in Australia anyway) the search and rescue centre (based in Canberra) along with Westpac and even Surf Life Saving clubs ought to be made aware of the device as a new aid to search and rescue, and the device registered as such.

Cheers Ian. If it works ok, modify it anyway!

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If the coasties would let me use this instead of flares, I'd get it-especially if these didn't have to be thrown out every three years. But if you are offshore, an epirb is still best although a plb is probably OK for most.

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R/Thom
SeaRail 19
Triak
BMW C600
Formerly Getaway with Custom Spinnakers
Formerly raced F24 Mk II