TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

When we think about serious injuries, the loss of limbs or even the

possibility of death, we seldom associate these thoughts with pleasurable

or recreational experiences.

We become preoccupied with the event itself, often forgetting that

certain activities can be dangerous.

Trying to walk on a surface that is pitching and rolling can be no

easy task, especially if the activity is attempted infrequently. A

vessel’s deck upon a moving sea can be a dangerous place for the novice.

Add a few beers or bubbly to the mix and you have an accident waiting to

happen.

Although alcohol plays a significant roll in boating accidents, there

are other dangers lurking in the deep. Weather, nonfunctioning equipment,

fire, leaks, sinking and the lack of pilot knowledge and experience are

all contributors to sea-going catastrophes.

We are clearly more vulnerable to serious injuries when we let our

guard down while participating in a pleasurable experience. Far too many

people associate piloting a boat with driving a car. We drive cars almost

every day of our lives, but boating usually is reserved for a weekend or

two each month.

Marshall Duffield, owner of Duffy Electric Boat Rentals, said he is

always amazed when electric boat renters ask, “Where is the brake pedal?”

“Can you believe that?” he said.

As elementary as it may appear, there are people on the water today

who probably are that ill-informed. Anyone considering the purchase a

boat of any size should sign up for a boating safety class.

Several organizations offer superior educational programs filled with

knowledge that could save your life, including Orange Coast College’s

Sailing Center, the U.S. Power Squadron and the Coast Guard Auxiliary,

just to name a few.

The Coast Guard responds to sea-going calamities and has saved many a

vessel and many a person from peril. Sadly, on some occasions, the Coast

Guard is called in after the sea triumphs over the lives of accident

victims.

The Southern California Yachting Assn. will pay tribute to members of

the Coast Guard on behalf of recreational sailors at 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the

Balboa Yacht Club.

The Coast Guard more than deserves a salute and the support of the

sailing community for its service and dedication to ouron-the-water

safety, said Bud Zucker, the yachting association’s commodore.

Special individual awards will be presented to Coast Guard members who

participated in the search and recovery mission after the Alaska Airlines

crash off the California coast.

For information on the special salute to the Coast Guard, call Vicki

Ericksen of the Southern California Yachting Assn. at (562) 433-7426.

* TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. He may be

reached by e-mail at o7 terrykp@email.com .f7