Jul 23 2010
Check Your Tether!
West Marine has issued a recall for two models of safety tethers which very possibly could be the one you own!
The recall affects both the singlen #9553512 and the double, #9553504 models. According to the manufacturer there have been no reported injuries from these two products, but West Marine discovered that under heavy load, the shackle end may not release.
Tethers are an important personal safety item that any sailor should own. When attached to a personal harness or inflatable PFD with harness, the tether is designed to keep you on the boat. The shackle in question is designed to be able to be released in an emergency system where you need to be separated from the tether!
Please check your model and if in doubt or if you can identify that you have the model(S) listed above, take it into your local West Marine for exchange or refund.
The cute example to the left is almost how we like to see young children geared up for a day of sailing. Whats missing? By law, PFD’s are required to be worn by children while aboard boats in the USA. I would vote to have them in a PFD that also has an integral harness or a harness that fits over the PFD. Even if it wasn’t a law, It just makes common sense!
