The Harbor Column:

Ahoy.

I had a great time last weekend when I was in Lake Arrowhead to broadcast from our remote studios overlooking the lake and the Lake Arrowhead Boat Show. The weather was perfect and JR Means, owner of Bayport Yachts in Newport Beach, was displaying a beautiful new 20-foot Chris Craft and he took us for a spin around the lake. However, this weekend signals the official start of the boating season and literally millions of people will be on the water the next few days.

Thousands will be on the water in Newport Harbor and off our coast, but as I always mention, please watch the seas if you are venturing out the harbor entrance.

This weekend and into Monday the fog alert is active, but directly off Newport, I anticipate the swells to be three to four feet from the west and winds below 15 knots in the afternoon. Those cruising past Catalina Island or maybe out to San Clemente Island in search of fish will see seas building to 5 feet, so it might not be a good choice for your first voyage of the season.

I want everyone to boat safely especially because today is the end of Safe Boating Week, which I mentioned in last week’s column. This annual awareness campaign is the week before Memorial Day with the major goal of increasing awareness and decreasing the number of what I call “Goofy goes sailing” syndromes where you leave your common sense at the docks.

However, I am pleased to report that the safety record of boaters is excellent even though the media may not portray that image.

Just stop a moment and think that Newport Harbor has an estimated 9,000 to 12,000 boats, yet the area has a good safety record considering the number of boating days we enjoy in Southern California.

You have great choices for boating in Newport starting with a nice harbor cruise and then anchoring in the large turning basin for lunch or dinner aboard your vessel.

Tip of the week: On this extended holiday weekend, remember those in the military and merchant Marines who made the sacrifice so that you can go boating this weekend. Lastly, boat responsively and look behind you before you turn the wheel at the helm.

Remember to tune in every Saturday at 11 a.m. to Capt. Mike Whitehead’s Boathouse Radio Show at KLAA-AM (800). For channel listings go to www.BoathouseTV.com.

MIKE WHITEHEAD is the Pilot’s boating columnist. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathousetv.com or go to www.boathousetv.com .