Something going on in Alton

[Orion]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

It would be nice if the media could give some DETAILS as to how something like this can possibly happen, so maybe fellow boater's can learn, (unfortunately), from someone else's misfortune, so as to not make the same mistake, and possibly save a life in the future. First thing that comes to my mind is I wonder if alcohol is involved in these incidents. There are so many "reports" of people dying from (tragic accidents) that the media NEVER has an explanation (for) as to how it happened, that I would almost rather not even know about the tragedy, than to have to "guess", or "wonder" how it happened because the media just moves on to the next story, and NEVER does a "follow up". Very frustrating. Media SUCKS. They are NOT doing their job at all anymore. My condolences to this family. Can't even imagine what they are going through.

Perhaps the Marine Patrol could compile an online anonymous listing of accidents and causes with names and dates omitted. This would give the public a good idea of things that should be avoided and be a major contribution to boating safety. The most interesting and useful articles in aviation magazines is the recap of events leading up to accidents so that pilots can avoid the same mistakes. Relying on the media to provide this (accurately) is a fools errand.

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by Orion

Perhaps the Marine Patrol could compile an online anonymous listing of accidents and causes with names and dates omitted. This would give the public a good idea of things that should be avoided and be a major contribution to boating safety. The most interesting and useful articles in aviation magazines is the recap of events leading up to accidents so that pilots can avoid the same mistakes. Relying on the media to provide this (accurately) is a fools errand.

This is a GREAT idea, but, unfortunately, when something makes too much sense, it never becomes reality... Seems like "Man" does everything bass ackwards!! I'll just wait for flyingscot and/or JanN to fill me in on the "details" of this one...

[umbrellapoint]

Originally Posted by Cal Coon

This is a GREAT idea, but, unfortunately, when something makes too much sense, it never becomes reality... Seems like "Man" does everything bass ackwards!! I'll just wait for flyingscot and/or JanN to fill me in on the "details" of this one...

For the WMUR story to have all the details, they would have had to either interview one of the family members who witnessed the accident or a police rep . Until a proper investigation is done, the police rep is not in a position to give out a detailed account of the accident. Interviewing the family at this point wouldn't be a good option either. A full account of the accident would undoubtedly be very helpful in educating boaters to help prevent future accidents, but the account needs to be complete and accurate to do the most good.

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by umbrellapoint

For the WMUR story to have all the details, they would have had to either interview one of the family members who witnessed the accident or a police rep . Until a proper investigation is done, the police rep is not in a position to give out a detailed account of the accident. Interviewing the family at this point wouldn't be a good option either. A full account of the accident would undoubtedly be very helpful in educating boaters to help prevent future accidents, but the account needs to be complete and accurate to do the most good.

I agree with everything you said, except, interviewing the family at this time would not be a good option. Although I agree it would never be a "good time" to interview family members that were on the boat at the time of the accident, it is the reporter's job to get that interview asap. I freely admit that I could never be that type of reporter, but that's what they get paid to do. Isn't the interview with people in the middle of a crisis, crying and sobbing uncontrollably, the one that get's all the "ratings"??? I hate those reporter's that have the microphone right in the face of the sobbing "victim" after they just suffered a tragedy, but somebody has to do it... Personally, if I ever happen to be that "victim" and a reporter is sticking that microphone in my face, he will regret it. I will make sure of that, but that's the chance reporter's have to take if they want to make a name for themselves. That reminds me of the only good thing that came out of the Station Night Club fire was watching Jeff Derdarien getting a good dose of his own medicine when he was crying like a little baby when the reporter's had the microphones in his face!! Karma is a Bitch... Orion had a great idea that is so simple, and makes so much sense that I can't believe it hasn't happened already, which is why I don't ever expect it to happen.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Returning to the topic of safety, which we all agree is important: it is vital that we step up when we observe people acting irresponsibly around watercraft. We recently observed some renters, cruising into our cove toward their dock, with several young bikini-clad girls STANDING on the bow, totally unaware of their surroundings...possible ..unmarked rocks, etc. about to end their idyllic vacation. We watched as they docked and it was with relief that nothing happened. We probably should have risked being “busybodies “ and warned them. I will do that in the future.

[Winopt]

You could also kill the batteries when stopped

[iw8surf]

Biggest thing I see that baffles me is people hanging off the front of pontoon boats, usually kids. And every time I turn to whoever is sitting next to me and say "don't ever do that"