There are a number of reasons as to why boating
accidents continues to rise each year across America. According to the US Coast Guard, the number
one cause of boating accidents is operator inattention, followed by improper
lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, alcohol or boating while under the influence. But with everything in life and with boating being no exception, there is
more to boating than just what it looks like on the surface.
Boating of course is far different than driving or
owning a car, SUV, truck, recreational vehicle or motorcycle. Some boats are powered by speed motors, wind
sails, rowing, paddling or a combination. They also come in various sizes, lengths and heights
in mass. In boating, there are no driving
lanes, mile markers, open water speed signs, speed bumps or traffic
lights. Of course there are rules on
water safety, equipment, repairs and life jackets. And there are classes offered to teach people
how to have a positive boating experience.
Other than that, if you own a boat “you
are the captain of your ship” and you can go boating when the harbor is
open and the season is right.
For those boating enthusiast, they can’t wait to get the boat out and onto the lake each
year. There is nothing like the open
waters, relaxing, feeling the breeze and
enjoying nature. For some, their boat is a part of who they are
and it’s a part of the family tradition.
These boaters go fishing, skiing,
swimming, travel, tour the harbor or just take family and friends out for the day
to enjoy time together.
At last count, boating involves work, knowledge and acquiring
some seaman skills of navigating and tying knots. It also details responsibility, patience and
taking water safety seriously. The
proper operation of a boat involves making sure that its “sea worthy” before casting off and getting underway. Weather it’s the maiden voyage or just a
routine adventure; it takes work to get any boat ready to sail before leaving
the dock. Besides get underway, there
must also be a plan on what to do when taking on water, man overboard, collision
with another boat or running aground. And when you think about the ongoing issues
and crisis in urban America, it’s comparison to boating has so many parallels for
it takes a lot to ensure that each adventure has “fair winds and following seas.”
