A 16 year old boy was permanently dismembered in a jet-ski collision, that also nearly left a 7 year old struck by my boat used in the rescue; because he was not seen. The USCG Think Safe Booklet attached to every new life vest reads: In rough water, a wearer's face may often be covered by waves.           

The "SWIMMING BUDDY" adds that missing critical layer of safety to the life vest without disrupting it's functionality and solely designed to make those in the water more visible to spotters and other watercraft operators. It's cylindrical shape stands vertically (using a stick bobber concept) as your child waits helplessly for retrieval after falling from their tube, off their skis, or off the jet-ski. First responders would find the "SWIMMING BUDDY" a huge asset in finding those overboard faster and easier. The “SWIMMING BUDDY”  weighs 1.6 ounces, 19 inches in length, 2.5 inches in diameter, using I inch ANSI tape around the top gives that added dimension should someone be in the water in darker settings. The "SWIMMING BUDDY" used as a precautionary marker has constant movement of bright neon-yellow or orange color relating that someone or something (i.e. scuba diver or stump) is in the water. The “SWIMMING BUDDY” is every Mother and Grandmother’s security blanket for their loved ones, VISIBILITY IS A VALUABLE FEATURE.       

With Michigan's 3,288 square miles of shoreline VISIBILITY IS IMPERATIVE. The "SWIMMING BUDDY" was presented before the MICHIGAN SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE on 7/15/09 bringing attention to the dire need for more water safety. The UNITED STATES COAST GUARD RECREATIONAL BOATING REPORT list Michigan in the top ten with accidents, injuries and fatalities.          

I know these things because I was the man who made the wake, I was the man who drove the boat nearly striking the boy, I'm the man who's been on a mission to bring attention to WATER SAFETY...IS THERE EVER ENOUGH? The "SWIMMING BUDDY"  uses recycled polyethylene (Envirofoam - think green).  MADE IN EAST LANSING, MI. Thank-You for the opportunity to share my mission with you, I ask you please think about this; it could happen to someone you love and care for.

The “SWIMMING BUDDY” welcomes all to participate beginning Fourth of July Weekend 2010 as       Water Safety Week.
BE SAFE...BE SEEN...BE RESPONSIBLE...BE SERIOUS ABOUT SAVING LIVES.

Sincerely,

Armando J. Rositas