The recent death of a boater on Coyote Lake should make all
water sports enthusiasts sit up and take notice.
The recent death of a boater on Coyote Lake should make all water sports enthusiasts sit up and take notice. The woman, Rachael Truong of San Jose, died when her boat was struck by a jet ski.
Boating season is well under way. Three local reservoirs, Coyote, Calero and Lake Anderson, allow power boats, which increase the possibility of trouble. Avoiding such tragedies as Truong’s, and less serious injuries too, is not terribly difficult.
Without trying to sound too much like a former First Lady, just use commonsense. Wear life jackets and pay attention to where you are going – and what is coming toward you. Know how to operate your boat safely and, above all, don’t drive those boats while drunk. Judging speed and distance in a boat becomes impaired, just as it does while driving a car.
Personal judgment goes out the window, too, after a few beers, no matter how much fun it is. It’s not only the pilot who needs to stay sober. Passengers have been known to fall overboard and drowned because their reactions and instincts were afflicted.
And fatigue from a day on the water can be a factor in boating safety. After several hours of dealing with wind, engine vibration, wave action, noise, high temperatures and glare, even the most experienced boater can become a bit out of it.
Wearing life jackets is not a requirement for most adults but, like keeping your seatbelt on while flying, it is a good idea since you never know what is coming. Children under 12 must wear life jackets while on board boats 26-feet or less.
Be smart. Slow down, wear your jacket, watch that alcohol and be safe.
