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Guest Column

Rather than get angry, help others at boat ramp

By WILBUR SCOTT
Published June 28, 2006

Launching or recovering a boat at the boat ramp should be a routine procedure; unfortunately that is not always the case.

I am sure that many of you have witnessed confrontations between boaters at the launch ramp when one boater feels another is taking too long to complete his or her launching operation or is taking up too much space on the ramp. Patience, common sense and consideration for others is the key to avoiding this kind of situation.

The wise and considerate boater will prepare his/her boat for launching before backing onto the launch ramp. Launch preparations should be conducted in the parking lot or other designated area.

Like some of you, I too have watched and waited as some inconsiderate boater backs their boat onto the ramp, and then begin unpacking their boating and/or fishing equipment from the tow vehicle into their boat. They then slowly begin arranging their lines, installing their electronics before moving their tow vehicle and boat trailer away from the launch ramp area, while others continue to wait to launch or recover their boat.

As the waiting period grows longer, patience and tempers grow shorter. This is when courtesy and good manners come into play.

Rather than making rude remarks or yelling at the boater who is having difficulty or who, in your opinion, is just taking too much time launching or retrieving their boat, why not offer to help? Those experiencing difficulty at the launch site would appreciate constructive suggestions and/or assistance rather than rude remarks.

Then, too, the individuals may be first-time boaters who become more frustrated and confused as they begin to hear the rude remarks directed at them by others. We should all remember that we too had our embarrassing launching problems when we first began boating.

We should all remember that we are there to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water. In most cases if you observed another boater in trouble on the water, you would render assistance. Why not do the same at the boat ramp?

One final suggestion that is mainly directed to the new boater, but what I feel is sound advice for all boaters, enroll in one of the USCG Auxiliary Basic Skills and Seamanship programs. It will make your time on the water a safer and more enjoyable experience! For information regarding this program, contact Flotilla 15-04 public education coordinator.

Editor's note: This is one of a series of guest columns that are run periodically. Today's column is written by Wilbur B. Scott, assistant public affairs officer for Flotilla 15-04 of Homosassa. Visit its Web site www.uscgaux.org/~0701504/. To contact him, e-mail seacapt34447@yahoo.com or write to P.O. Box 2084, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447-2084.

[Last modified June 28, 2006, 07:53:12]