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Subject: TWL: RE: Accident at Grays Harbor Washington
From: Jerome A. Schroeder (jschroeder1@XXX.XXX)
Date: Tue Sep 25 2001 - 20:29:33 EDT
About two years ago I took the USPS/USCG Auxilary basic boating course and
was amazed to learn that 95% of all boaters do NOT take such courses. It
struck me then and now that taking such a course makes self preservation
sense. Especially if you are taking friends and family out.
I suggested as much to a friend when he bought his 18 foot runabout. He
allowed that at one time he was a sea scout and had no need for such
frivolities. The few times he was aboard my boat left me with the
impression that if he ever knew anything about safe boating, he long since
forgot it. He considers a GPS, Hand held VHF, extra life jackets, flares
etc. as expensive frivolities. Indeed, everytime I venture out into Puget
Sound I see folks who share his views. Darwin in action.
Fortunately for his family, he's an incompetant mechanic and the gas engine
on his boat is usually sick.
Jerry Schroeder
M/V Surprise
21' Ranger R21
Ballard WA
> Todays Oregonian reports the loss of a 24' Bayliner at Grays Harbor. 2
> Persons found dead on the beach yesterday. One person missing and
> presumed dead. This makes 12 dead in one month in the area that I have
been
> writing about over the past month. I think it has been some years since
there
> were that many and in years past there were FAR more people actually
participating.
> The salmon fishing which is attracting these people has been excellent.
>
> Capt. Mike Maurice
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