JoeMan
Petty Officer 1st Class
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2006
- Messages
- 322
Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?
I would hazard a guess that every last one of you guys (the ones who truly care), that if you did not know what every single official symbol and rule was or meant, would be no less careful out there, because you would engage your brain...which along with safety equipment is the lions share of it. As was said earlier...for all of the driver's training and boater's safety courses, while your boat may be fully stocked with every shred of safety equipment, and if you memorize every rule of the road - this does not change the 'heart' of the guy behind the wheel. If he's going to drink and drive his car, or put the safety of others aside as he plays with his water toys, a course is not going to change that a smidge. Am I poo-pooing the courses and education so many have undertaken? Nope. But nor do I want to see this entire thing handled by the government who will make tons of cash from regulating it while not being able to weed out the idiots...because a course does not get that out of you.
My dad is 88 and has never come close to an incident...except those that he positively avoided at the hands of some other careless boaters over the years. Dad never took a course, but safety is his first concern. 70 years of safe boating ain't too shabby. He taught his 4 sons by example as well as giving a few pointers along the way. As far as official regulations, equipment, common courtesy on the lake, etc, I researched this when I got my own classic junker (which I custom restored) 3 years ago. I've followed in dad's footsteps...I more than meet the safety equipment requirements, know the rules for inland lakes (this is all I use), do my best to spot and keep away from the careless, use my head in every situation, and teach those who are teachable while we're out on the water. I still manage to have a ton of fun! Do I recommend someone take a safety course? Sure!
I would hazard a guess that every last one of you guys (the ones who truly care), that if you did not know what every single official symbol and rule was or meant, would be no less careful out there, because you would engage your brain...which along with safety equipment is the lions share of it. As was said earlier...for all of the driver's training and boater's safety courses, while your boat may be fully stocked with every shred of safety equipment, and if you memorize every rule of the road - this does not change the 'heart' of the guy behind the wheel. If he's going to drink and drive his car, or put the safety of others aside as he plays with his water toys, a course is not going to change that a smidge. Am I poo-pooing the courses and education so many have undertaken? Nope. But nor do I want to see this entire thing handled by the government who will make tons of cash from regulating it while not being able to weed out the idiots...because a course does not get that out of you.
My dad is 88 and has never come close to an incident...except those that he positively avoided at the hands of some other careless boaters over the years. Dad never took a course, but safety is his first concern. 70 years of safe boating ain't too shabby. He taught his 4 sons by example as well as giving a few pointers along the way. As far as official regulations, equipment, common courtesy on the lake, etc, I researched this when I got my own classic junker (which I custom restored) 3 years ago. I've followed in dad's footsteps...I more than meet the safety equipment requirements, know the rules for inland lakes (this is all I use), do my best to spot and keep away from the careless, use my head in every situation, and teach those who are teachable while we're out on the water. I still manage to have a ton of fun! Do I recommend someone take a safety course? Sure!