One of the things that bothers every Coast Guard Auxiliarist, whether on patrol or observing boaters from their shore-side homes, is seeing young people with feet and arms draped over the bow of a boat. Why? A sudden shift in the boat’s speed or course can cause one of these young folks to fall overboard and disappear under the boat and into the churning propeller. Bow riding is not only dangerous. It’s not legal.

On several recent safety patrols, Flotilla 3-10 Auxiliary crews have strongly urged other vessel captains to have their young charges, who have been hanging over the bow, get back into the interior of the boat. In every case, they have complied. Whew! And to think that most of the offenders were not wearing life jackets.  Double whew!! And they were under the age of 13. Triple Whew!!! No charge for saving a young life; we’re volunteers.

Bow riding has become an alarming practice and also an alarming, sometimes deadly statistic. According to the Dire tor of Auxiliary, 5th Southern region, “In 2008, there were 65 boating fatalities recorded in the 5th District, a 5 per cent increase from 2007. The primary contributing factors in 20% of these fatalities was the standing or sitting on the gunwhales (side), bow, or transom of boats, which represented a 500% increase from 2007.

» Read More  » Printer friendly version

The Coast Guard and Marine Police have a responsibility to assist in keeping boaters safe.  One of the ways they go about this is to verify that you have all the equipment on board for the safety of your family, friends and fellow boaters.  Experience has shown that without the basic safety equipment aboard, boaters can experience tragic results before assistance can arrive on scene.  So when members of the Coast Guard ask to board your boat, they are just checking to insure that you have the minimum amount of safety equipment on board to help you survive a bad event. 

Things happen fast on the water and you can get into a situation that is not your fault.  Someone not paying attention can hit you, a sudden leak could occur, or your electronics go out and a fog bank is quickly forming – all situations that might require you to fend for yourself for quite awhile before help arrives.

To get boaters’ attention and make them realize the seriousness of failing to have the proper safety equipment aboard, serious penalties can be imposed if you do not carry this equipment. Fines can be hefty or a good day can be ruined because you are forced to return to your dock (under escort) for failing an inspection.

Pat Hogan and Billy Ingram discussing fire extinguishers at a recent Vessel Safety Day at Ingram Bay Marina.

» Read More  » Printer friendly version

The Sports Centre, Ltd has donated a kayak for the raffle at the Northern Neck Kayak Festival and Expo on June 5 at Camp Kekoka on Boys Camp Road in Kilmarnock.  Other prizes include a kayak paddle, fishing personal flotation device, and Visipole donated by Old Dominion Kayaks, a round of golf for four donated by The Tides Inn, and a $250 gift certificate to The Lancaster Tavern. 

Raffle tickets will be available during the All Day Kayaking Event that includes three competitive kayaking events.

KAYAK FISHING TOURNAMENT

Chesapeake Bank sponsors the first event of the day, the kayak fishing tournament.  The three divisions of the tournament will be rockfish, croaker, and flounder. First prize for each division will be a fishing expedition in the Northern Neck donated by Carroll Webb and second prize in each division will be a kayak fishing DVD by famed angler, Kayak Kevin. 

» Read More  » Printer friendly version

Living as we do along the Atlantic Coast, on tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, our boats are prone to hurricane damage.  Hurricane season runs from June 1–Nov 30. And while there may have been a lull in the number and severity of hurricanes in our area last year, some weather experts are predicting a more active year in 2010. In addition, there are Nor’easters that could be just “out-of-season hurricanes.”  In any event, with thousands of recreational and commercial watercraft in our area, it is worth the time and effort to have a plan in case a hurricane threatens.

Where Is Your Boat?

Recent studies have shown that boats stored out of the water are less likely to suffer significant damage than boats left in the water. They might tip over on land but they can sink in the water.

Is your boat on a lift?  If so, you want to make sure it is higher then any expected storm surge and high waves and be sure to use additional lines to secure the boat.  Get the boat high on the lift early so it is above the surge line if power goes out early.  Remember Ernesto?  A lot of boaters were surprised by that storm.  Power was lost early and people did not get a chance to raise the lift when the worst part of the storm came in and was a lot worse than predicted.

Is your boat at a Marina?  Does your Marina have a plan to remove in-water boats and store them in case of a hurricane?

If your boat is in the water at your dock, can you put it on a trailer and tow it out of danger?  Your boat is probably safer on a trailer than in the water during a storm. Some insurance companies will pay you to put your boat on land. Some raise your deductible for damage caused by a “named Storm”. But remember not to park the trailer under the trees. And fill the gas and water tanks for more stability.

No matter where your boat will be, remove valuable equipment and expensive electronics.

» Read More  » Printer friendly version

On a recent weekend Christchurch students enjoyed a bass fishing tournament on local waters. Picture here are the tourney winners, seniors Peter Brooke and Justin Ashby.

» Read More  » Printer friendly version