More 2c...

Posted By: Dana
Date: 2/10/06 4:02a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: RE: Get Real (Stan Burnett)

I believe I'll agree here. I wear my Sospenders from the moment I leave the slip. Why? I can swim. I was a Champion Freestyle Swimmer in my younger days. Actually won the event underwater in the 100 meters. But after 40 plus years of smoking, two heart attacks, a stroke, some bone cutting foot surgery, I don't believe I trust myself to even keep my head above water, especially if injured, for very long. I remember years back when a Seadoo or some such drove right through a boat sailing quietly in the bay. Three deaths by drowning all without any life jackets and this on a beautiful summer day with hardly a breeze. Yes, we all like to be independent and not have Mommy tell us what or what not to do but the main reason so many do's and don'ts come out is simply because of $$$$$$. I don't really care for having to wear my helmut when riding my motorcycle but I understand the law was passed because the state (and insurance co.'s) took care of so many folks on bikes that had head major injuries. I'm the first one to bitch about laws and regulations on one's rights but when it comes to paying more for insurance because some idiots either killed or maimed themselves through a lack of common sense, then I get P.O.'ed! Why should I pay more because of some fellow wanting to show he was so macho or something. As long as it doesn't affect me, my wife or family in any way whatsoever, then I don't really care what folks do. (That's like the young couple who let their young teenage daughter drive an ATV in a Mexican tourist spot. The girl lost control downtown, drove through a plate glass window and narrowly missed having her head cut off. She has survived major surgeries but will be scarred for the rest of her life. The parents are blaming the ATV folks, the touristy city and even Mexico! for allowing such things to occur. What happened to common sense? Why would any parent let an underage, unlicensed teenager drive any vehicle on public highways when they were neither licensed nor trained in handling the vehicle? Dahhhhh!) But when their actions start to affect us in some way, then it's time to step in. After years of investigating major trucking accidents, I've seen a lot of tragedies. And a lot of innocent people were killed or injured because of the inconsideration of others. When I take my kids , or my grandkids, or my nieces and nephews out for a sail, you better believe they wear their USCG approved life jackets. I try to be a responsible master of my little ship and set a good example. Of course, things happen and like Captain Ron said, "If they're gonna happen, they'll happen out there!" Of course, if I'm on a lake in Texas (where I lived for 13 years) and no one was near me and tghe water was like a mirror and the skies were clear, I'd probably not wear a vest. But in the Pacific, off shore, I sure do. Even when on my buddies 38'er! as he does. Just my 2c worth... Thanks Dana