Page 52 - Discover Fall 2022
P. 52
Close Calls CONTINUED
ensure safe clearance. Fan-type trolling and slow turn rate. This caused the tube to
rigs are hazards that are introduced by, and whip around and disappear into the opposite
therefore the responsibility of, the operator. bank, which was covered in overhanging
Trolling rigs are virtually invisible to paddle trees. The operator kept going after the tube
craft in low-light conditions, and do not hit the unimproved bank, pulling it back
constitute restrictions to maneuvering. through the tree branches like something
Nothing good comes from dragging rigs with out of a prehistoric dinosaur movie. The tube
hooks over a kayak, paddle board, row boat, or reappeared minus one child.
canoe. The key to avoiding a mishap is to be
The matriarch of the group appeared to
predictable: don’t abruptly change your course
take command of the boat, barking orders
in a crossing or overtaking situation. With
to the operator while yelling to the children.
striper season on the horizon, please take this
A quick recovery of both children from the
one to heart.
water was affected, at which time the boat
"Alone and Unafraid!" It is sad to have to "took off" for the main channel. "If not but
report the loss of children and adults each year by the grace of God....!" Thankfully, both
from falling off docks, ramps, and other fixed children were observed wearing life vests.
structures without life jackets on. Almost all
Every year children are whipped into
of these deaths occur when the victim is alone.
docks and shorelines. Some get scratched
Please take the extra 20 seconds to don a life
up, and some have had their futures altered,
vest if you are going down to the dock. Make
with a great burden placed upon the boat
it a habit if you are going down to work on
operator. Tubing and skiing up creeks puts
something alone. Please make it a rule for
your precious ones at risk, especially if you
your children to don life jackets when heading
try to turn around. Add in the docks that are
to the dock, and then set the example for
present in most creeks, and the risks magnify.
them.
If you are a grandparent, parent, aunt/uncle,
"Then there was one....??!!!" Picture a late- or just a good neighbor, please remember this
model pontoon boat loaded with occupants, one and seek open water.
headed up the right side of a narrowing creek,
We regret that we are out of publication
towing a tube with two children at a good rate
room… if only we were out of frequent
of speed. With the creek necking down at 85
incidents and close calls.
yards wide (250 feet), the operator decided
to turn around, throwing the wheel over. The May the fall season bring each of you a renewing
pontoons dug in, creating a quick deceleration peace and safe boating for you and yours.
-SMLWSC
50 Discover Smith Mountain Lake FALL 2022
