missing in Geargetown SC

[Jim_ME]

I am not sure just what the meaning of all this is, if there is any, but it does make me think that there are some lessons here. First and foremost, and most obvious, would be to be especially careful to stay out of the water in winter, no good can come from it. Secondly would be to keep in mind the correlation between these incidents and drinking in 4 of the 5 occurrences I list; correlation is not causation, but the small group of statistics we have here would seem to bear out that that may well be the case. Third, and perhaps most important to my "thinking out loud" on this topic here, is that it would be prudent for boat dwellers to *plan* for a cold weather dunking, in the hopes that if it were to happen, a small amount of preparedness may well save a life or more.
 It bears consideration, especially when reading of sad news like this about Keith.

I agree that reviewing these situations and learning all possible lessons is important--and does allow us to gain some positive meaning from such tragedies.

If I may add a few thoughts...

One is to appreciate how much more dangerous these situations are when one is alone, especially after dark or late at night, in a remote area of an anchorage. Perhaps like the difference between free climbing alone and being part of a group that are roped together where the many can catch the one, should he fall.

Another...I remember taking a friend who kayaked for a sail in my Typhoon in Downeast Maine where the water is also cold, even in season. While taking her in the dinghy out to the moored boat and then even while sailing, she wore her type-1 PFD with a strobe light fastened to one shoulder and a whistle on a cord to the other. My first reaction was that this seemed a bit overly cautious, but now appreciate what a difference it could make. Even just the [additional] time that such a PFD would keep your head above water after you may lose the ability to in cold water.

If there was one other simple item, it might be to have a water-proof pouch for your cell phone. This would be something that you kept on your person and should stay with you if you go into the water. It would depend on the person having the judgment and presence of mind to use use it before entering such a situation. for those who don't have a cell phone, as Kurt wrote, a handheld VHF.  

If one has been drinking, to have a mindset (and a culture that reinforces it) that there should be no shame or embarrassment from seeking a couch or anyplace on shore. That views trying to get back to a moored or anchored boat to be like trying to drive home (or letting someone try to drive home) after drinking. [ie, Friends don't let friends row out to a boat and try to climb aboard, especially alone.]

I think again about the two young women kayakers [on Casco Bay a few years back] who tried to paddle back to their home island from a small deserted one after conditions had become too dangerous and with the wind and seas against them. It might have been humbling to stay [and wait], but the rescue party that inevitably had to go out looking anyway would of course infinitely rather find you there and alive.

I heard a report that something like 75 percent of those who choked to death in restaurants were found in the restrooms. Of course they didn't realize that their lives were at risk. We must remember that being alone can be deadly and there are things far worse than making a scene.