Community Commentary -- Paul James Baldwin

For some of us who are fortunate to live on the harbor and even more

fortunate to be able to use this wonderful resource, at times there are

concerns that need to be expressed. My concern is the current state of

boating in Newport Harbor. Yes, I am talking about those irresponsible

boaters in those, at times, difficult to navigate electric boats --

especially when those boaters’ only qualifications is the money that

either rents or buys them. But then again, this is not limited to

electric boats. It is also those people with enough money, or too much

money, who buy a boat with no experience, no desire to know boating other

than the mere ownership of owning a vessel.

Yes, there was a time it was safe for the neophyte to navigate these

waters with little or no knowledge of seamanship. Those days are gone, in

large part, because of the sheer number of people. Lots of people. Lots

of boats. And a lot of the tourist trade that encourages the renting of

vessels to people with enough money to do so. Away with any prudence as

long as we can make a buck.

When automobiles first made their way down what was then considered a

road, no license was required, just the ability to be able to purchase

the vehicle and motor on. As time passed, and more people obtained this

form of transportation, things changed. There were incidents, accidents

and carnage in the form of injuries and death. Rules and regulations,

including the requirement of basic knowledge of operation of a vehicle,

were instituted.

For those who may not know of what I speak, it is called a driver’s

license. These days, if one rents a car in another city, I believe a

driver’s license is required.

Yet today there is no requirement to operate another potentially

deadly vessel other than opening one’s pocketbook. A visitor from

Nebraska (relax, it’s only an example), never even having seen navigable

waters before, is allowed, even encouraged, to go out upon our local

waters.

Do you want your children out in the harbor knowing their fate lies in

the hands or helm of an inexperienced person in a rental boat, or any

boat? How safe do you really feel? I am sure that most people wouldn’t

feel comfortable letting their children play on sidewalks if the only

qualification of an auto driver was the ability to purchase a vehicle

without regard to the operation of the thing.

For those who argue that the speed limit is 5 mph and electric boats

cannot do more than this, get real. You don’t have to go fast to kill

people. Stupidity can kill. Ignorance can kill. Rules and regulations,

including driver’s licenses, worked to control an automobile industry

that saw carnage due to its popularity and the unregulated usage.

Maybe it’s time to think seriously about the safety of our harbor. Or

we can wait until there is enough tragedy to rethink the issue.

* PAUL JAMES BALDWIN is a longtime Newport Beach resident whose

commentaries will appear occasionally.