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Letter Re: Bosun's Whistle for Communications

While portable radios are great for communications, I've had times in noisy environments where I couldn't understand the message. Other weaknesses include the fact that they require batteries, their size, that as electronics they are susceptible to EMP, falls, and weather. Finally, they do not allow for directional finding of the other party. As such, I suggest also equipping every member of your team with a small Bosun's whistle. These small multi-note whistles create a high pitch which can be heard above the din of a crowd. Being multi-note in capability, information can be sent (e.g. high-low for where are you/I'm over here, high-high-high for emergency etc). They are small enough to fit it your pocket, are indestructible and have some direction finding ability to them.
My family has a 'family whistle' we've used for four generations for finding each-other without having to shout but while my kids can hear me whistle to them, they can't respond at their age. They can however operate a Bosun's whistle.
I can think of several scenarios where such whistles could be of use. Can you imagine being separated from your wife and kids in a crowded FEMA camp? Some children remained separated from parents for months after entering the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina. While I have no intention of taking my family into one of those death traps or anywhere else that the "we're from the government and we're here to help" folks suggest, Schumer happens. If you and your family find yourselves caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow separated, a kid turns a wrong corner in an airport, or you just want to call them in from the yard for dinner and don't want to scream, get a Bosun's whistle. - SF in Hawaii

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