Safer Boating

"SimRacer" wrote in message SNIP

I'm with you Chris. We need to stop adding "agencies" to do things that
should already being done under current laws. Better enforcement and not
new
bureaucracies are what we really need. If anything, we need to look at
some
sort of boater safety courses for boat operators younger than a certain
age
(like many states require gun/hunter safety courses before they can gain
hunting licenses), or everyone that intends to operate a watercraft
regardless of age if you find the other method somehow prejudicial. And we
need to set a minimum age for PWC operators too IMO. Every person I saw
pulled out of local lakes last year as a result of a PWC-involved
accidents,
wasn't even old enough to drive themselves to the lake where they got
hurt.

I don't think any of those above would require some new organization
though.
Especially not some new country wide organization. I think it should be
handled at the state level, personally. And therefore funded by the people
that will ultimately be affected. I'm not fond of pouring money into a
federal-level warchest that may or may not ever help my own state.

I too am in agreement with both Chris and SimRacer. I think as a nation, we
are already being regulated to death. What has happened to personal
responsibility and accountability?

As a firefighter/EMT, I have seen first-hand the consequences of boating
injuries. Tragic?, yes! Preventable?, most certainly! In need of
additional legislation?, HELL NO!!!

I am fully aware of when and how I operate my boat. I know the boat's
capabilities and I know how it's constructed. Is it safe? Yes, as deemed
by the U.S. Coast Guard and boat manufacturer's standards. The last thing I
need and/or want is additional rules, regulations and inspections.

And who is to determine what is safe operation? My new boat is capable of
running in excess of 80 mph. To some, that isn't safe. To me with a lot of
seat time in a high performance boat, I'm probably safer at 80 mph than many
operators at 35 mph. Is this going to be considered? Will I need to "take
a class" to prove I know how to operate MY boat? There's just too many
questions and concerns about another organization that is going to set an
arbitrary set of standards that will potentially interfere with the way I
run my boat.

You cannot legislate stupidity! So stop trying!!!!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com