[ApS]

Since feral boats have invaded Winnipesaukee, mandatory whistles are another archaic throwback.

A whistle might attract the attention of people on shore, but they'll do nothing for a boater being in the sights of a 4½-ton missile. Same with an air horn. By the time you've located the source of the noise, it's too late. Plus, some people use air horns for "fun".

Just last month, I heard an air horn being used repeatedly. From my Florida shoreline perspective, I could see nothing wrong. Other shorepersons and boatpersons nearby were amused or merely curious.

All the passengers were in the bow, with the outboard countering their weight. The boat appeared level and normal. What was happening is that this pontoon boat was sinking while carrying eight picnickers!

It was only when the bow was lifted well above the water that it was clear what was happening. Everyone was in the water before help arrived. An aluminum rowboat assisted—then another pontoon boat (Florida, remember) carried the soaked passengers to back to the boat ramp.

Really, if you need to be noticed, a whistle belayed to your PFD is probably better than an air horn in the cabin—but nothing beats a signal mirror. A whistle is my backup for sunless days, but what good does it do when the missile "driver" can't hear the voices of his own passengers?

If you're ever in harm's way, which is happening more and more today, you need a mirror.

I've been using a cast-off CD. The surface reflects nearly as well as a mirror, is not as fragile as a first-surface mirror, and leaves no dangerous sharp edges should it break. (They do break). I also wouldn't carry anything smaller than a CD-sized mirror, and you need to practice in its "aiming". Select a PFD with a pocket that will accept a CD.

The boat was not marked for the night, and remained in place until the next day. This photo was taken an hour later, with a debris field of coolers and other flotsam trailing off downwind.

In and amongst the debris field, there was probably an air horn.