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| Name: |
Murph
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| Subject: |
Paddle Board Safety
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Date:
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7/12/2012 11:03:07 AM
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When we discuss boat & pwc safety vs the drivers ability, I think we need to address the newest fad on the lake and that is paddle boards. I personally don't care for anything that depends on me for power, but fully understand that they are growing in popularity for both entertainment and exercise (something I try to avoid at all costs)...here goes the scenario...
My neighbors have bought a couple of them and they are allowing their pre-teenage children to take them out on the lake. A few afternoons ago I was taking a sunset cruise and was heading back in at dusk. There was still a little light out, but all the watercrafts in sight were running with lights on. As I approached my dock, I heard the kids yelling to get my attention. They were out on the paddle board in moderately open water, in my direct path & I was closing in rapidly. No lights, no horn, no lifejackets, just 2 kids and a paddle. Even in the daylight, these things are hard to see since they are not producing any "whitewater", are typically not moving fast enough to differentiate the operator from the tree line in the distance, and with people who are body mass deficient they can literally blend in to the background (another advantage to being on the above average side of the curve). Before you jump to assumptions, I was not operating irresponsibly, I was not intoxicated (although it took a few Crown drinks to calm my nerves after), I did not have a boat full of drunks, and I was in waters that I know very well.
What can be done? This scenario (although I hope it is isolated) truly unnerved me. I have talked to my neighbors and they have in turn spoken with their kids, but this is only one house. For those of you who have them, are there safety features I am missing. I always trust common sense over laws and regulations, but what are the rules for these things.
Continue to enjoy them...but be sure everyone who gets on them realizes that they are hard to see and that there is nothing to protect them from an oncoming vessel.
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| Name: |
jwh445
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| Subject: |
Paddle Board Safety
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Date:
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7/12/2012 11:26:04 AM
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Vessels without running lights should not be out after dusk and before dawn. Vessels operating during daylight hours are governed by rules of the road. I believe a human powered vessel has right of way over any motor driven vessel, other than a vessel restricted by draft. My advice is to use proper vigilance when operating a motorized vessel, you can never be too careful. Props to the boarders for getting your attention, and props to you for avoiding an accident. Lake Martin is a paradise for water sports, lets all enjoy it responsibly. Sounds like a beer commercial. :-)
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| Name: |
Kizma Anuice
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| Subject: |
what if they were swimming?
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Date:
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7/12/2012 11:46:22 AM
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Although it appears that the children were not operating within the laws and regulations, that is not the real issue.
If those children had been swimming would you have been more likely to see them. To the best of my knowledge there is no restriction on swimming after dark.
I am just wondering what type of craft you were driving and you were sitting aft any passengers?
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| Name: |
Murph
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| Subject: |
what if they were swimming?
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Date:
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7/12/2012 11:54:33 AM
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If they were swimming they most likely would not have been in the "open water" but most likely closer to their dock. it's like the paddle board gives operators a false sense of security to go out further and act as if they are in a boat. I was alone in an open bow 19' runabout, although i hardly see what kind of boat I was in would have mattered much if the bow had centered a kid about waist level.
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| Name: |
Jim Dandy
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| Subject: |
Paddle Board Safety
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Date:
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7/12/2012 12:00:13 PM
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Saw a couple of kids on paddle boards in the narrow area between the Ridge and the eastern shore a few weeks back. They were about half way across. At any point in time, there are several boats going through there and the wake can be huge. First thing I noticed was no life jackets. Don't want to have a Darwin award winner on the lake, but this really was risky for them to undertake.
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I see kids and adults without life jackets on paddle boards all the time... more the norm than the exception in my observation. I would think they are required, but even if they aren't this seems incredibly stupid.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Question fo Marine Police
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Date:
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7/12/2012 1:31:23 PM
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is a PFD required when riding a paddle board?
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
How times have changed
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Date:
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7/12/2012 1:55:25 PM
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When we were kids on Lake Martin, we used ski belts for that purpose - yes - they did get stripped off about half the time... When My Dad was growing up on Lake Guntersville, his PFD for skiing was a bicycle inner tube wrapped around him a few times. Now I guess we need to start wearing a type III when we float n' drink in front of the pier...
Disclaimer - a buddy had a windsurfer about 20 years ago, and we DID wear a type III for that.
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| Name: |
GoneFishin
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| Subject: |
Answer
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Date:
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7/12/2012 2:55:34 PM
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According to the Coast Guard, paddle boards are considered vessels. http://www.surfersvillage.com/surfing/36762/news.htm
Capt Brooks addressed paddle boats and I would assume the same regs apply to boards since these both are considered vessels.
Name: Capt M Brooks The author of this post is registered as a member - Email Member
Subject: Question for Marine Police....
Date: 5/25/2012 4:42:42 PM
As long as the boat is people-powered and doesn't have a trolling motor or other small outboard, then no registration or operator license is required. However, a personal flotation device (USCG-approved and fitted for that particular individual) must be on board for each person on the boat. Children under 8 must wear their PFDs. If you are going to be out after sunset (which we do not recommend for paddle boats), you are required to have a flashlight or lantern on board that can be displayed in time to avoid a collision. Our BUI laws apply to ALL marine transportation devices, powered or non-powered (and even to water skis). I have seen a person arrested and convicted for BUI on such a boat, though it's rare. One recommendation I would make for owners of these types of boats (because we get a lot of calls when they drift away, are blown away in a storm or even taken by someone else) is to scratch or inscribe some sort of identifying number or information in an inconspicuous place in case it gets lost or stolen. Most of our fines for equipment violations are $50.00. However, court costs can usually run in the neighborhood of $125-150.00.
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Other messages in this thread:
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| Name: |
Kizma Anuice
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| Subject: |
[Message deleted by author]
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Date:
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7/12/2012 3:42:09 PM (updated 7/12/2012 3:50:00 PM)
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| Name: |
Kizma Anuice
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| Subject: |
Fat lady on a noodle needs a PFD?
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Date:
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7/12/2012 3:52:33 PM
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That is crazy. A fat lady sitting on a noodle and paddling needs a PFD.
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
How times have changed
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Date:
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7/12/2012 3:56:27 PM (updated 7/12/2012 4:05:33 PM)
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Maybe they've changed for some, but I learned to swim in 1962 and started skiing in the mid 60's; we always wore a PFD for everything that wasn't in a well defined swimming area unless we were in a larger vessel. Even on a boat, the life jackets went on if the water got rough. I remember the flotation belts well, but we never used them for skiing and always purchased the better equipment. To me, it just seems like common sense and I commend my parents and the Boy Scouts of America for the training. I'm sure I complained a little (as my kids did while they were growing up) but a simple accident can turn tragic real fast.....just 2 months ago my youngest son was home from college and broke his tibia and fibula in a freak accident while falling off a jet ski; fortunately he was wearing good safety equipment. I personally know of several water related deaths over the last 50 years that happend while surfing, canoeing, kyaking, sailboarding, skiing and even swimming in hazardous areas. Most (if not all) would not have happened if proper equipment was used. For me, it's not a matter of what the law says but a matter of self protection and the protection of those I care about.
my disclaimer: I think the law usually goes too far in trying to mandate common sense. Let Darwin have his way unless it will put others in danger....
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| Name: |
Ulysses E. McGill
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| Subject: |
Fat lady on a noodle needs a PFD?
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Date:
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7/12/2012 3:58:05 PM
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fat ladies float.....jus sayin'.
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
How times have changed
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Date:
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7/12/2012 4:35:02 PM
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I got my first ski vest from my grandmother in the early 70's, but never wore it. She had a "hook up" at a local hardware store that sold everything, and they gave her a vinyl covered foam vest .. molded for a female. No amount of heating, beating or taping would keep the bumper cover sections down - I believe my parents yard-saled that beast... Agree with the application of Darwin - seatbelts and helmets, included - if you don't think you need them - you are probably right.
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
Fat lady on a noodle needs a PFD?
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Date:
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7/12/2012 4:45:43 PM
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Probably depends on how she is riding, and if she is driving....
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| Name: |
GoneFishin
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| Subject: |
Who Pays?????
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Date:
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7/12/2012 4:55:01 PM
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Often when you read the stats for deaths in boats and vehicles, it is teenagers not wearing seat belts, vests, or helmets. Beyond the deaths, it is the lack of adequate insurance and the cost to society to keep them alive and rehabilitated. I guess after someone ie paralyzed they can buy a helmet and sit on the street corner using the helmet to hold donations. It is so sad when you look back and realize an ounce of prevention could have dramatically changed the outcome. But, then many don't want the government regulating their life taking away their personal liberty with seat belts, vests, and helmets.
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| Name: |
Summer Lover
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| Subject: |
Who Pays?????
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Date:
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7/12/2012 5:19:27 PM
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We all do anyway - but who draws the line on risky behavior? I happen to think that if you ride a bike or bicycle without a helmet, or that you drive out of your driveway without a seatbelt on, that you are an idiot. My neighbor may say that operating a grill at 650 degrees for my steak, or using a circular saw to cut treated lumber is dangerous - if you see me get hurt doing either one, just point, laugh and take pictures; but don't say that I should be dressed all in nomex and or kevlar.
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| Name: |
wix
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| Subject: |
Goofy
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Date:
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7/12/2012 6:52:39 PM
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OMG, you are such a slimy weasel lurking around, waiting to make some inane, stupid statement.
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| Name: |
mckaygmc
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| Subject: |
Goofy
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Date:
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7/12/2012 7:58:56 PM
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Was told at the last Paddle Board Race that PFD's are required but they can be on the board...Not required to wear. I don't know if this appies to the LAke or just the Races that where being help
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| Name: |
John C
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| Subject: |
in FL
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Date:
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7/12/2012 10:36:07 PM
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I just read that in FL they require a PFD, white light, and whistle if used after dark. The police can correct me on this but I think here that PFDs are not required. When we did the race, they said that adults had to have a PFD at least on board, and kids must have them on their bodies. We did not go out on the main channel, we were in a protected slough and it was 10 am to noon.
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| Name: |
BigFoot
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| Subject: |
in FL
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Date:
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7/13/2012 8:42:15 AM
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...quite a contrast to the "no helmet required" for motorcycles in Florida (unless they have changed that lately)...
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