Dumb-dumbs at the Dock . . .

[tpenfield]

After a day out doing the boat/beach thing we came back to the local dock to unload peeps and gear. We noticed a family at the dock and some of them (mostly kids) were jumping off the dock into the water as boats were coming in.

We assumed that they (parents) were smart enough not to have their kids be jumping in the water while there was boat traffic. . . WRONG !!!

As we approached the dock the kids jumped in the water right in an area right next the loading/unloading platform, so I quickly aborted the landing and waited for the kids to get out of the water. The parents wondered what the issue was, so we had to give them their safety tip for the day.

I guess some folks don't understand about boat propellers and what they can do to people.

 

[Toyelectroman]

I have also had the issue of kids trying to fish right at the boat ramp too

 

[tpenfield]

We have a fair amount of people fishing off the dock - they tend to figure out fast that their lines are in jeopardy.

People in the water around a busy dock is a whole other level. I’m guessing that the family never considered the element of danger.

I always tell folks that boating is dangerous, it only looks like fun.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Ahh, fishing off the dock. The one lake I fish has a big sign posted on the small dock I use no fishing off the dock. One afternoon I came in to load up and a very hefty couple were fishing on the dock, small floating dock that has see better days . I politely asked them to allow me to dock. Not happening. Well the dock was sitting pretty low on the end with the weight of those two and I knew what was going to happen but I went ahead and stepped on anyway and ,, swoosh,, water came over the top of dock soaking both their arses. She almost slid into the lake. By the time I walked up for my truck and backed down they were waddling away. I almost felt bad,, almost.

 

[909]

It's called natural selection.

Those genes are not supposed to reproduce.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you could have simply made chum then started fishing

 

[tpenfield]

you could have simply made chum then started fishing

 

[tpenfield]

It's called natural selection.

Those genes are not supposed to reproduce.

But they do . . .

 

[harringtondav]

But they do . . .

...and so will the kids. My sister calls this 'social entropy', natural movement toward disorder w/o an external orderly influence.

 

[Scott Danforth]

But they do . . .

More chum.....

 

[airshot]

Unfortunately we have trained the public to believe they have the right of way over any type of vehicle!! In court rooms all over the country pedestrians are getting big settlements by sueing vehicle owners! Just drive anywhere around a school when it gets out, these kids will walk side by side all the way across the road blocking traffic, even the police wont force them to move! People now think everyone has to leave them alone to do whatever they want. My neighbor has a big Rotwieler dog that loves to go on his boat, whether comming in or going out, folks get out of the way when "Houch" shows up...

 

[BillWilliams]

Fishing around boat ramps always annoys me because fishing line getting wrapped up in an outboard or I/O acts like a razor to the seals in the lower unit.

 

[tpenfield]

Well, I do recall from driver education many years ago that if you hit a pedestrian it is your fault.

I would imagine the same goes for swimmers.

Regardless, fault or no fault any docking mishaps would not go well.

 

[JimS123]

The rules at my launch ramp are clearly printed on a big sign.

Boats with trailer have the right of way. No swimming, etc. No car parking in the long spaces for boats with trailers. PERMIT REQUIRED.

My issue is not with kids, but with idiots throwing sticks to their dogs.

I simply pull right in and hope the freaking dog gets out of the way. If a person complains I point to the sign. If they continue to complain I ask to see their permit.