It's in the numbers...
Tummyman:
You make some good points but the bottom line is that the Coast Guard in in a fix.
They are charged by congress to be responsible for recreational boating safety nationaly. Thinking cap time...
Twenty years ago how many kayaks did you see on the Lake? Not a bunch.
The number of padle boaters has exploded in the past years and along with that the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities. The numbers don't lie. The CG started a strong approach to work on this. Through the USCG Auxiliary and with a lot of help and cooperation with the US Power Squadrons public education courses were developed and special vessel inspections for paddle craft were drawn up. Both were implimented and, while I think that it may be a little early to chear, the numbers are improving. Last year we had more boats and fewer accidents.
As for the money, this is on the cheap. It is being mosty implimented by unpaid Auxilirists and USPS volunteers. They, we, do not make a dime and spend hours and hours working on these projects. The rewards are personal.
If you are interested in some free handouts, stickers, coloring books and a safety check PM me and I'll shlep over in the old Misty!
Misty Blue
|