No Strings Attached

Autotether, a new life-saving device for boaters, was invented about 15 minutes from my house.

But I had to read a reprint of a NY Times story recapped in the online version of Florida's Sun-Sentinal to find out about it.

The device essentially replaces that red tether that you're supposed to use to attache yourself to your boat's dashboard. In the original version, if you go overboard, the device would detach from the boat and stop the boat's engine.

Great idea, but the problem is nobody would ever clip these things to themselves because they're a total pain in the ass. In fact, I did a google search for these things to show you somebody wearing one, and couldn't even find one.

Enter Autotether, of Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

Autotether replaces that red string with a wireless signal, so the part that clips to your shirt (or life jacket!) isn't tying you to the driver's seat. You can get up and take care of business or serve a couple of cocktails without untangling yourself. And, instead of being limited to just the driver, you can connect Autotether to multiple passengers on your boat, giving you further peace of mind.

Additional uses include an added layer of child safety at the beach or at the pool.

On the web: Autotether.com