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I learned long ago from an old successful salesman that the first thing one had to do in a prospective sales presentation was to get the customers undivided attention. So, in an effort to get your undivided attention, I will cite some of the very grim boating fatality statistics from the Florida Marine Police.
For instance, the current 2010 statistics show that most boating fatalities to date are from drowning. The cause of those drowning … nearly 90% were not wearing life jackets when they entered the water. Following are just two examples:

   1. On May 22 a boater fell overboard from a 32 foot contender and drowned.
   2. On May 23 a 14 foot Jon boat was swamped on Eagle Lake with 4 on
board.  A 23 year old drowned while attempting to swim to shore.

       
Many have advised me that they carry life jackets on board their vessel with the idea of putting them on when an emergency arises. Detailed case studies show that boat accidents and capsizing happen so fast that there is usually no time to don a life jacket. Remember the Scout motto: Be prepared. So, wear your life jacket. If not for you, think of your family with you out of the picture.

Now, back to the main subject of this month:    Lightning.   You will see the lightning before you hear the thunder because sound travels much slower than light. You can determine the distance of the storm by counting one thousand one to five after you see the lightning.  Each five counts tell you that the lightning is about one mile away. If your count shows that the storm is less that 10 miles, you should head for safety since data shows that lightning can strike out 10 miles in front of a storm where the sky may even be clear. The comment that if you can hear the thunder, head inside or for shelter is so true.

During the past year there have been many stories in the media about boaters being tossed into the water when encountering large wakes and high waves. As the weather warms and we enter the peak boating season, I thought it appropriate to remind everyone of the ever present dangers when encountering a high wave or crossing another boat’s wake.

Crossing the large wakes of other boats is inevitable. Large vessels often create a dangerous rolling wake, and they can create disturbances in the water for thousands of feet behind them.  A wake is essentially a wave. Always alert your passengers when you see a wake coming. An unexpected wake can toss people around in the cockpit or cabin , and even overboard. Severe injuries or even death could result from from being tossed about by an unexpected wake. Always minimize the effect of large wakes by reducing speed and turning into the

Any person born on or after January, 1988 must have a Safe Boater Certificate to operate any boat with a 10 HP or larger motor.

Top has advised us that if you want more information on Boater Safety Training, you can contact Bob at (904) 721-1346.  Bob is in charge of the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary Boater Safety Training Program.  He runs the Auxiliary Flotilla Boater Safety Classes on Monday evenings at the Stellar Building, 2900 Hartley Rd. in the Mandarin area. The Classes Run from 6:45 PM  to 9:45 PM

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 14-8 encourages everyone that has not had a safe boating class to take the class.  You will learn something even if you have been boating for years.