Best marine safety & flotation devices according to redditors

Actually those are the old school floaties that can kill kids, lots of places won't even let kids in the pool with them on. These are the new standard in invincibility

Edit: for those asking, the old style arm bands could cause unintentional drownings because children could end up stuck face down, or in a position where their arms in the floaties were above the water and their heads were submerged (they could also just slip off leading to children getting into trouble in the water), the newer type have straps, as well a flotation device across the chest, so kids can't end up face down and their heads can't get stuck under the water.

Floaties are anti-floatation devices. If a kid gets in a situation where their arms are above their head, the floaties can prevent them from being able to get their head above water. Many pools have now banned them. https://smile.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Deluxe-Jacket/dp/B003648OKK are what pools allow now, or actual life jackets. As long as it is coast guard approved.

Time to start saving up, know what im buying

I LOVE my Flo its a Kayak PFD and has indents for your breasts so they don't get squished. I absolutely love it. its totally adjustable. I live in Georgia and it gets really hot, this one has never bothered me. If you have a local outfitter, go try one one.

PFD! Personal flotation devices are commonly seen as an annoyance, but if you plan to do any kind of open water paddling, its a small inconvenience that could save your life in a freak accident! You can also find smaller belt like PFDs that inflate on being pulled that arent so large and easy to bring along. Example

When you are indoors a life jacket is a liability.

They make "Float Coats" with these built in or you can just wear those.

arm bands are out of favor (mostly because if they are air filled that aren't coast guard approved because they could pop or deflate). They are hard to find as single arm bands now.

The in thing right now are puddle jumpers. The question is though whether your kid is heavy enough for them.

At 8 months and for a holiday, I would probably go with an inflatable seat and planning on holding him. We mostly did that for our kids before they were walking.

If you want to go crazy, buy one of these and attach it to your PC. Itll automatically inflate if its submerged in water.

Nifty idea! I've never encountered troublesome seagulls, but I could see those birds being real assholes if they don't like a drone.

Another idea: Put a couple mega-bright LEDs on your drone. These small LED lights are so bright that I cannot look at my drone when they are turned on. They can be seen from miles away. I cannot adequately explain how absurdly bright they are.

The bonus is that these lights let you safely fly your drone at night as well.

I bought these for when I fly over water.

Is a life preserver like this sufficient for flying over/around the Chesapeake Bay? I don't plan on flying over water that often, and it's not that much distance over water, so I'd probably be out of glide range of land for only short periods of time. I want to be prepared, but I'm not sure I need a bigger, over-the-shoulder style one. Thoughts, please?

Stohlquist makes decent discount pfds for yakkers.

eg https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LJSIYY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have one...nice open shoulders...pockets in front...and a high back that doesn't touch my kayak seat. Only $62.

They make a version for women if that is helpful.

It's nice but you should go big or go home.

The classic outdoor gag gift is How to Shit in the Woods

The only other thing I could think of is a kid's version of the equipment you use. This kids floaty life jacket as an example.

I use an inflatable while fishing. Much more comfortable than a I or III.

Similar to this:

http://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Co2-Automatic-Vest-Universal-Adult/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405525205&sr=8-1&keywords=inflatable+life+vest

I have the auto-inflate disabled, but if I was a non-swimmer I would not disable it.

MOAR TACKLE

Canopy Grenades

S-Wavers

Whopper Ploppers

Phenix Abyss 808

A few G Loomis Rods in your price range

New PFD

Sort of impersonal, but anybody would love a Tackle Warehouse Gift Card.

If you know where he puts in, you could also buy a years worth of launching fees.

These or these are never a bad idea either, no matter how good of a swimmer you are!

(Source:) Grew up on dark waters

As a lifeguard I personally haven't had to save anyone for the 5 years I have been working, but I have seen many of my co-workers jump in while I was across the pool watching the zone I was in.

The company I was trained by show us the full video of this child going under. We watched the whole two minutes of this child under the water with 4+ guards on this small pool. It was hard to watch. The boy never made it.

A co-worker of mine used to work at water country. She said that the most terrifying part was the wave pool jump in rescues simply because it's a 10+ foot drop if you jump wrong. You have to time the waves right if you don't you'll probably land in 3-4 feet of water.

Also to parents of young children at pools. Just because your kid has a floatie on doesn't mean that you should leave them to be in the pool. My pool only allows US Coast Guard approved vests on children. Example: Puddle Jumpers The float in the front will keep the child's head above the water. Children can slip out of just water wings easily.

these are what we use for swimming in our pool for our 4 and 5 year old ( they've been using them for a couple years now) and it keeps them afloat even when they jump in. They are rated for a minimum of 30lbs

Edited: you actually did say how big your 3 year old is. Reading comprehension, not my strong suit. Also, I meant to reply overall but replied to a specific comment. I'm already betting today is going to be a rough day for me.

Same brand as the other poster, this one is a bit more. I own this one, best PFD I have had for all around. Has the high back for sitting in kayak, has nice easy to use pockets, very comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050HDACS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

no don't buy that, instead buy this one, it'll the looks on your chest area

also pair it with a fedora, and girls will come begging you to take them on a date.


if you want to skip the date part, and be able to go straight to the sex. pair everything above with a nice neckbeard, and you're good to go.

PFD

Footwear is going to depend on what exactly you are doing. On trawling/dredging trips, I have a pair of shrimper boots (I prefer the taller boots, which are better at keeping water out of them). For wading, I have two sets of wading boots. I have soft wade boots, which are easier to put on and sufficient for mud/sand. I also have harder soled wade boots that last longer when you are frequently on rocks or oysters shells. I've even used a pair of hiking boots, which honestly lasted the longest but looked less professional. I also know a couple of people that swear by neoprene boots like these.

I also recommend that you get a UV Buff. Partly it's because I hate being covered in sunscreen. But it also protects you from wind and cold.

Get a decent pair of polarized sunglasses. Pick a lens color that is suitable for the waters where you are working. (I think you are technically supposed to use blue/green for oceanic waters, but I've always preferred a brown lens)

UV longleeves are a decent temperature-regulating alternative to the Columbia button-downs (they are basically just under armour shirts). Also I recommend looking into some cheaper off-brands (Columbia is expensive!). But DO NOT get the Columbia-style button downs with velcro in place of buttons at the collars/sleeves.

I also recommend investing in an inflatable life jacket. They tend to get in the way less when you are trying to work out on the water.

Good training will cover emergency scenarios like you describe. Basically, I can image imagine two scenarios involving water landing: engine out and loss of vehicle control. Here's how I would handle them.

For an engine out over water:

1. Check any surge (the forward movement of the wing that comes from a rapid deceleration) with brake input. Steer the wing. Aviate towards safe terrain that can serve as a landing zone.
   
2. If you still have a lot of altitude, attempt to restart the motor. (It is always better to regain powdered flight if possible).
   
3. Whether the motor restarts or not, land immediately once possible, and preferably into the wind.
   
4. If landing on ground isn't possible and the motor does not restart (or you are at low enough altitude that you can't risk a restart) begin un-clipping from the harness progressively as you the approach the water. Legs first, then waist, then chest (the idea being that its harder to get to the further connection points while in the water). Ideally, your pace should match with your altitude (so that you don't fall out too soon). Limit any connections between you and the vehicle (you may wish to have a hook knife in hand at this point).
   
5. As your legs hit the water, jump forward away from the vehicle. Swim clear.
   
6. Since you're smart and wore a PFD to fly over water, inflate it now. Do not attempt to recover your wing or motor until after you have reached safety. Again, you're smart, and you equipped your motor with floatation, so it'll handle itself until rescued.
   
   For loss of vehicle control over water:
   
   
7. At higher altitudes, assess the situation. If the wing is likely to recover with no or minimal input, give it those inputs and enough time to say aloud "ohfuckohfuckohfuckohfuck". Mentally prepare to deploy reserve.
   
8. If the wing hasn't recovered after your brief cuss session, you are at too low an altitude to await a recovery, or the situation is deemed irrecoverable, follow the procedure to deploy your reserve. "Look, grab, pull, clear, throw!"
   
9. Once the reserve is deployed, disable the glider wing if possible. In this scenario, I would recommend using a hook knife to cut the glider's risers, but I don't think I advocate pulling the wing in towards you (to prevent entangling yourself when in the water). Downplaning in bad, but getting caught in the lines in water is worse. As you approach the water, follow the procedures for motor out, above, starting at (4).

Update:

The bottom is a hard line keel for both the Pungo and the Loon. The Loon has sloping sides, whereas the Pungo is hard-chined. I wouldn't think there would be much performance difference, but the stability of the Pungo could be a bit better. Don't have pics of that.

I have had the Loon out on the water like 5 times now. It handled the first time with a bit of chop pretty well. Then three of the times, in placid water, it was so sleek it was like a dream. The other time it was in moderate chop, it did feel stable, but I didn't venture too far from shore.

It tracks very well, turns on what to me feels like a dime. My friend had a LL Bean Manatee (10') and I easily went in circles around it in terms of speed and tracking.
Here are two other pics for reference on the water. I like the side view because it shows how low in the water it sits. I believe this is good for flat-water kayaking since it reduces the wind drag. It moderately protects against water coming over the bow, but I'm sure a touring or sea kayak would be better in that department: http://imgur.com/a/N617B

Finally, it is soooo comfortable, at least compared with numerous rental boats I've tried over the years. I could sit in it for hours. Width and length are great to stretch out, and the seat is awesome. I'd recommend getting a high back PFD. I literally tried 5 of them with the kayak, and the two best for me were: Astral http://amzn.to/29rVAMB and Onyx: http://amzn.to/2920ZrR (the one I bought)

I'm giving you US links just to let you know what I'm talking about but you shouldn't have any trouble finding them elsewhere.

• Dry Bags - Very handy to have along and it wouldn't hurt to have more than one. I keep one stocked and ready to go at all times.
  
• Onyx PFD - PFD that wears like a belt and stays out of the way until you need it.
  
• Waterproof Phone Pouch - Cheap and handy
  
• First Aid Kit - I keep one in my dry bags but have never had to use it. You never know though.
  
• Survival Whistle - Because you never know.
  
• Cooler - If it's a long outing I like to have a soft cooler that I can strap down.
  
• Headlamp - Just another one of those you never know items that takes up hardly any space in a dry bag. Alternatively you could get a bunch of those cheap LED bracelets.
  
• Water Bottle - I swear the Gatorade squeeze bottle is the best water bottle ever made. I always have one with me when I'm paddling.

dont' put your kid in a little floaty as mentioned in the comments at 2, thats no fun. we got our kids these puddle jumpers, they are coast guard approved life vests that the kids can wear in a boat, and are also awesome for swimming. I had my 1 year old swimming all over the pool in these ,
https://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-Jacket/dp/B01EJ393K6

I've looked into this a lot (Former lifeguard, spend a ton of time on boats/water in our state) and just wanted to mention that puddle jumpers and most kids lifejackets are actually in the same class of flotation devices. Basic kids lifejackets like this are type III and are exactly as safe as a puddle jumper. They are legal for boating in most states (including mine) and are what most people think of when they think of "life jacket."

Type II lifejackets need to have the buoyant collar around the neck like this. They are absolutely safer, but are also more expensive and less common.

http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-Jacket/dp/B00364E0C6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1373167380&sr=8-11&keywords=toddler+float+arms

I bought this for my 20 month old after a little girl in my neighborhood had a frightening close call in the pool. It has been the best fifteen dollars I have ever spent.

https://www.amazon.com/Mudder-Boat-Navigation-Light-Green/dp/B00ZCDD62O/ref=sr_1_3?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1474581932&sr=1-3&keywords=kayak+lights

Check to see what your state's regulations are before you buy something.

http://www.amazon.com/Carlisle-Magic-Plus-Kayak-Paddle/dp/B001AI69KQ/ref=sr_1_4?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1427333608&sr=1-4&keywords=kayak+paddle

That's the paddle I have and it's awesome. $67.

http://www.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Fisherman-Personal-Floatation-X-Large/dp/B0050HDACS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427333486&sr=8-2&keywords=fishing+pfd

I bought my father in law and brother in law stohlquist kayaking pfds and they are solid. They look great and are extremely high quality. I know the fisherman pfd is expensive, but you get what you pay for.

If I had a decked out hazmat suit, I feel like it could actually be pretty interesting. Unfortunately they're $1700 on Amazon.

Opinions on this?

ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, Orange, X-Large/XX-Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FI3F9XM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RAjbBb06BF77R

Get something that fits correctly!!!! that is a big thing. Also get something with utility, mine has pockets and zippers all over it and it serves as a mini tackle box. like this http://smile.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Fisherman-Personal-Floatation-X-Large/dp/B0050HDACS/ref=sr_1_15?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1397315283&sr=1-15&keywords=personal+flotation+device+fishing

I bought the Onyx brand off of Amazon. Not as fancy as the Chinook, but I wanted something with less bulk on the front, don't need all the extra pockets and stuff. I'm 6ft 240lbs and this kept me afloat no problem. Worth looking into as a cheaper option.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FI3F9XM/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1#immersive-view_1499091970256

Stand up paddle boarders (SUP) have the same issues with the authorities. Most have managed to get past the rules with an inflatable belt like https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032ALK72/

That is probably as small as you can get

Carabiners & line, paddle leash, waterproof flashlight, running lights (I got these: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ZCDD62O?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01), a good waterproof sun hat with an underchin strap, and if he's got good glasses, he'll need the strap to keep them on

I tend to think of my flashlights as 'before I knew anything about flashlights' and 'proper lights.'

That said, there's some 'before' lights that are fantastic (I use a Tek-tite on a post to light my kayak/canoe at night and I don't think there's anything better).

I have a Stohlquist women’s model. I picked I up as a last season color for like $50ish. I love it, super comfy, big pockets, comfy for all day paddling.

Edit: I have this one in orange: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LJRW4Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1527033459&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=51r2uZsT2vL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

That's probably a fine life jacket, it'll work to keep you afloat. The difference between sailing and powerboating is that you probably don't intend to ever get in the water (tho you can for swimming and whatnot), so a jacket like that can get uncomfortable (big and bulky).

I use something similar to this: http://www.amazon.com/Absolute-Outdoor-Full-Throttle-Automatic/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=pd_sbs_sg_52 which automatically inflates if you hit the water. I don't have my exact brand handy, but this is the basic idea. Since it's usually deflated, it's much more comfy to wear for long days sailing.

For better or for worse, a lot of people don't wear life jackets while on board a boat on CO reservoirs, they just have them nearby. If you feel comfortable doing that, the one you linked will work just fine. If there's a storm or possibility of stiff winds, you should put it on stat!

I personally wear one at all times, which is why I wanted the auto-inflate one.

You're right that it's dangerous, but I think you can also take steps to be safe.

Maybe just mention your concerns to SIL, and see if they have any ideas?

It seems like as long as you don't leave your son unattended (and really, when would he be?) the pool won't be much of an issue.

Also, if he is mobile and you're in the yard, you can always pop him in one of these in case he does crawl in somehow.

I purchased this as my first fuel can and really like it.

https://www.amazon.com/Surecan-CRSUR5G1-Gasoline-CAN-Gallon/dp/B00DE2EDAY/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=gas+can&qid=1564078992&s=gateway&sr=8-6

​

These firehouse strobes are popular (but I have not used them).

https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Technology-Approved-Flights-Quadcopter/dp/B073PMGLXR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=firehouse+strobe&qid=1564079064&s=gateway&sr=8-1

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I picked up this mirror

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZQI68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I highly recommend an electronic torque wrench.
The mechanical ones are very inaccurate at the bottom end of range. Head bolts are often at the bottom or below what they can even be set to.

I use this one and it works amazingly well. It can accurately go down to 3ftlb. You can set the desired torque and it has a beep alarm as you approach, reach, and go over the threshold. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VYUKTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I also recommend flying with a very basic set of tools. I fly with some hex keys and wrench that fits all the sizes on my paramator. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F512F74/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Siphon is nice to get fuel out of paramotor. This one works amazingly for me. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CKW15ZS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Radio chest harness. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HJKSG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I added a draw cord to attach my phone to. Phone then tucks into the velcro pocket and is secured by one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4E9Z6O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's powerful enough to draw in a medium weight phone.


Hook knife: https://superflyinc.com/products/jack-the-ripper-hook-knife


Power floats: https://glidersports.com/shop/powerfloat-2bsure/

Waste flotation: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013RLI9XS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Cut prop tape strips out of this: https://www.amazon.com/Scotchgard-Clear-Paint-Protection-60-inches/dp/B004VG8DS0/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1534535837&sr=1-9&keywords=3m+scotchgard


RTV silicon to put on exhaust springs to reduce vibration fatigue: https://www.amazon.com/Rutland-500%C2%B0RTV-High-Silicone-Black/dp/B000H5Y6CQ/ref=sr_1_5?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1534352404&sr=1-5&keywords=heat+resistant+silicon+rtv


Motor tachometer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GTP6ORC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Radio: I recommend the FT60 or FT65. The 60 model is tried and true and can also be modded to RX aviation band. FT65 has newer display and is cheaper having been made in China.

Not sure if you're looking for this type but maybe a canister one similar to this canister pfd I'm in AUS so cant recommend brands/shops etc, but i love mine, its so light and i don't notice it at all.

I use one of these. I have some navigational lights on the bow too.

be safe!

I was annoyed with bulky PFDs until I found one that is pretty comfy in my kayak and has tons of front pockets for gear. I find very convenient as a storage device, though I'd probably spring for an inflatable if I had a bigger boat.

Here's a link to the PFD if anybody is interested

Onyx m 16 Unisex Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket (PFD) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HPWN2S4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_6q5WNLoOdM71o

I've been happy with this one ..haven't had to inflate it yet.

I had bought specific kayaking ones, but these I found on ebay and are so comfortable. Plus it was like 10 bucks or something. I can find the link to the item if people are interested.

Edit: I couldn't find the same product, but this one has a similar cut and shape http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Swimming-Life-Jacket-Boating-Kayaking-Surfing-SUP-Buoyancy-Aid-Fishing-Vest-/322494891715?hash=item4b163186c3

Alternatively, I also bought this one I bought one. Almost as comfortable but the back was too high so I would end up leaning and sitting too far back. These fit the kids perfectly though https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00FI3FAZ4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And since we're talking about PFDs, this is the one I use for the sausage puppy https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01GPOUOZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This

Manual Inflatable Belt Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KUN5PRY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U7ADDbMMQJH0K

Defer to your further research as to whether it is OK to fix it up or get a new one. It does look a bit worn out from my perspective, but if it holds you and it is leak free, might be worthwhile. My advice would be to stick close to shore though :)

What you have is a type of "touring" kayak, which will be fine for a local lake. If you're looking for something with a larger opening, get a recreational kayak instead. Types are reviewed here: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/kayak.html

Definitely a good idea if you have a pool to watch some Youtube videos and try out techniques.

As for paddle, I can recommend https://www.rei.com/product/766595/bending-branches-whisper-paddle

For PFD (personal flotation device), I recommend https://www.amazon.com/MoveVent-Dynamic-Paddle-Sports-Orange/dp/B00FI3FAZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491528039&sr=8-1&keywords=onyx+life+jacket

Also, you'll need to think about how to transport it. For instance, last year I owned a recreational kayak, and had it on the roof of my car using the following:

foam to protect the car and on which to place the kayak: https://www.rei.com/product/672423/riverside-universal-kayak-replacement-foam-blocks
straps secured over the sides and tied through my car windows: https://www.rei.com/product/853269/riverside-heavy-duty-utility-straps-twin-pack-15-ft
tie-downs for the front and back, and secure it to a metal non-moving piece of the car: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IHQHYPI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Forgot to add the link...

Kayalu Kayalite® Kayak Light | Portable bright white LED kayak light. Top-ratings in pro-paddling community. Kayak light compatible with sit-on-top (SOT), stand-up paddle board (SUP), canoe, scull. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GTZQJW/

Kayalu has really good gear. I've used several of their mounts and they've all been superb.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: http://smile.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Fisherman-Personal-Floatation-X-Large/dp/B0050HDACS/ref=sr_1_15


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|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|




To help donate money to charity, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

A Bearcat costs about 300K$ and a hazmat suit cost's under 2000$. What you rather your town have?

I'm buying this tonight. The brand seems reasonably priced and the reviews are good, plus their other life jackets are popular on Amazon.

Recently bought a Stohlquist Men's Ebb and I'm quite happy with it.

this one??

https://www.amazon.com/Stohlquist-Toddler-Jacket-Approved-Infants/dp/B071VVGCXG?th=1&psc=1

This maybe?

Found a couple sites that sell them.

http://www.pksafety.com/clothing/hazmatsuits.html

https://www.amazon.com/Demron-Full-Bodysuit-Hazmat-Suits/dp/B007Z42GCY

Maybe get something like this :
http://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Co2-Automatic-Vest-Universal-Adult/dp/B0032ALK36/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1422675595&sr=1-1&keywords=automatic+inflatable+life+jacket

That way there is some piece of mind should something happen and you wind up in the water, you're safe?

I have one that I really only wear when I am solo on the boat. Hey, ya never know. It's not the things you're expecting to happen that happen, be safe out there.

https://www.amazon.com/M-16-Belt-Pack/dp/B013RLI9XS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=onyx+m16&qid=1554639820&s=gateway&sr=8-1

This is absolutely true. However. The modifications required are a stick on light that can be had on Amazon for under $50:

https://www.amazon.com/Firehouse-Technology-Approved-Flights-Quadcopter/dp/B073PMGLXR/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=uas+night+light&qid=1556464058&s=gateway&sr=8-6-spell

People get 107 night waivers using those, never mind recreational flights.

As for the footage itself, it looks compressed, IE shot with a telephoto rather than wide angle lens. (I was thinking inspire here until someone mentioned class B... That is unfortunate and an Ins. pilot kinda should know better so perhaps a Mavic 2 zoom? ) That compression means it's hard to have a good idea of exactly where he was or what he was flying over. (Kinda why you're not supposed to fly FPV without a VO, ya know?) I agree that the general area is bad if it is class B but I don't think there's sufficient evidence that he's flying over people, including that highway.

My point here is that there is a degree of ambiguity about whether or not this was legal. I see people frequently rush to judgement on these flights- and my suspicion is that the "crime" may sometimes be SLANDER. Yelling about how other people are commiting crimes has the potential to be a crime itself, and is regardless a somewhat unwelcoming thing to do to new members of the community.

PS regarding that Class B business: Recreational pilots are still allowed to follow community based guidelines like those published by the AMA. Here's the whole guidance:

www.modelaircraft.org/files/100.pdf

He doesn't need to be in class G, write a letter for a waiver, use LAANC or any other shenanigans. He needs to be 5 miles from an airport. Fin.

Heh......a friend of mine has the same problem. You guys might want to look into something like this.

https://www.amazon.com/M-16-Manual-Inflatable-Belt-Pack/dp/B01KUN5PRY