Boating safety is no accident

Each Year I try to write about boating safety, hopefully to help prevent an accident or possible fatality. Just last week a 7 year old boy got caught in a propeller, severely cutting both legs. How does this happen?
Operator error, or lack of experience or both? Even professionals make stupid mistakes, don’t ask me how I know this. However I have never injured or killed anyone. Yet.
You do not need a license nor are you required to be checked out before you get behind the wheels of a powerful small boat, or any boat for that matter.
However you do need one if you take people out for hire.
Every weekend you can go to Lake Sonoma or any other popular boating area and see totally stupid, and scary events.
First you need to pretend that everybody out there does not have a clue what they are doing. If you don’t know what you are doing, I will be happy to help you.
I have been a Yacht Captain close to 30 years and have seen more than my share of accidents and deaths, all totally unnecessary. I’m totally blown away at some of the things I see at Lake Sonoma, as well as other waterways. How many people will get hurt or possibly killed this year because of lack of knowledge or stupidity, or both? Even if you know what you are doing, don’t assume the other guy does.
Travel in a circular motion, avoid crossing in front of another boat. If you see another boat coming head on make a very pronounced turn so the other driver can see what your intentions are.
Look around all the time. Chances are you will see a jet skier buzzing back and forth. Make slow turns, so others can see what your intentions are. Have a course in your mind plotted out, and stay with it. Watch what other boaters are doing. It doesn’t take long to spot someone that does not have a clue on safety, boating operation, or rules, stay away from them.
Do not drink and drive, don’t even think about it.
Have a first mate that knows how to at least take the boat out of gear, in case you, the operator falls overboard. It does happen.
If a person falls over have someone point at them and keep that point till he or she is picked up. Never approach a person in the water when your boat is in gear, take your boat out of gear way before you get to a swimmer in the water.
Use your flags when you have a person in the water. Make sure other boaters know when you have a person in the water.
Check your boat well. Make sure your life jackets are up to date and in good condition. Have an updated first aid kit on board. Make sure your radio is working. Have plenty of water and provision your boat as if you were going to be stuck on it for a few days, just in case this happens, no matter where you are, you can still have a break down.
Check your engine and bilges before you put the boat in the water. Just stop and look at your boat before you launch it and double check to insure you have all you need for a safe day on the water.
I feel as an experienced yacht captain that most of the problem and safety issues are due to lack of experience and knowledge and education.
Check your boat well. Check all your safety equipment. Do all this before you depart your house. You can also get a copy of “Rules of the Road”˙ online at www.boatus.com/foundation/guide/site-map.html. Be safe. If you need help or have questions you may e-mail me at [email protected].  
Captain David Cook is a Healdsburg resident and yacht captain.