I agree rob70; education is the only way to prevent accidents on the water and maybe lead to more courtesy from boat operators. I hope you have expressed your thoughts in a survey. I would also like to point out, before we start harping on the “irresponsible youth”, that the the largest amount of boating accidents occur with operators between forty and sixty years of age by quite a substantial amount when compared to the younger aged operators. When ages of registered boat owners and hours on water spent by age are examined this statistic is not because there are so many more older operators. The group in general appears more prone to accidents for some unknown reason.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
I agree with less law and more education. People will alway choose to follow the law or ignore. I have a cdl and to be honest the test the dmv gave was a pain but I didn’t lean anything (for the most part) from it. I studied to pass it and then, and only then, did I start learning how to drive after I passed. If you atleast put the info infront of them maybe they will remember something and apply it when it counts.
Edit. I dont think we should just hand out a license to everyone who wants to drive a boat. I just mean they should be given the info and be reminded of it frequently.
-Albemarle 248xf “Chella”
-Dolphin 18BC Pro
-Miscellaneous boats
Why was it this was not published about the meeting before now?
Not ever one goes to the DNR site.
Need more than one meet in each section of the state too.
Why was it this was not published about the meeting before now?
Not ever one goes to the DNR site.
Need more than one meet in each section of the state too.
I made this point clear to them in the meeting. Afterwards the head guy of the DNR came to me and acknowledged that that it was not a fair representation and ant that they would post a survey online to seek a larger ■■■■■■■■ base. I got the feeling that these safety groups are going from meeting to meeting pushing their agenda while very few recreational boaters are attending. There is a woman whose daughter died in a jet ski accident who was present and has started a movement for these new laws and is also the reason the meetings are being held in the first place. She tells a very emotional story about the death of her daughter and the effects on her family and tells of the movement she has started. She apparently has a legislator that sympathizes and will sponsor a bill for her proposed change and other unannounced changes that will supposedly come from these public forums. Most of the “non-affiliated” recreational boaters were silent when some of the most ridiculous proposals were discussed. I do not blame them. Many of the times when I would disagree; the mother would get a little upset and ask how I would like to bury my kid the way she had to. This is not what I would really consider a forum for "honest and open"debate if you know what I mean.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
I made this point clear to them in the meeting. Afterwards the head guy of the DNR came to me and acknowledged that that it was not a fair representation and ant that they would post a survey online to seek a larger ■■■■■■■■ base. I got the feeling that these safety groups are going from meeting to meeting pushing their agenda while very few recreational boaters are attending. There is a woman whose daughter died in a jet ski accident who was present and has started a movement for these new laws and is also the reason the meetings are being held in the first place. She tells a very emotional story about the death of her daughter and the effects on her family and tells of the movement she has started. She apparently has a legislator that sympathizes and will sponsor a bill for her proposed change and other unannounced changes that will supposedly come from these public forums. Most of the “non-affiliated” recreational boaters were silent when some of the most ridiculous proposals were discussed. I do not blame them. Many of the times when I would disagree; the mother would get a little upset and ask how I would like to bury my kid the way she had to. This is not what I would really consider a forum for "honest and open"debate if you know what I mean.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
Yeah, that's not fair for her to say to you. I would have been tempted to ask her if a license would have saved her child's life, but if you externalize that thought, you suddenly turn into the bad guy even if it's a logically valid question. It's a shame that this government is rampant with knee-jerk reactions driven by people who "feel" a certain way even though the statistics are piled up against them.
Look at the statistics… Being in a boat is safer than being in your car. Boating is relatively safe compared to MOST other activities. You cannot save every person’s life. Even if you enact 100’s more laws, the statistics won’t budge. Very few people die or are injured in boating accidents each year, and for those that did happen, no amount of licensing or “education” is going to save those lives
What would you do to fix it?
Nothing. Don’t fix something that is not broken. We don’t need more government to fix a problem that does NOT exist. Please do not enable knee jerk legislation based on the way someone “feels” about something. Look at that STATISTICS… Ask yourself the NECESSARY and TRUTHFUL question, which is “If we enable Law X, will it ACTUALLY save lives, or does it just make us ‘feel’ better”? Enough with the “every life matters” rhetoric. Yes, every life matters, but thinking you can save every life is a fool’s errand. At some point, things are “safe enough” and any tweaking or regulating past that point is not only counter-productive, but burdensome beyond reason. How many millions of dollars are we willing to spend to enable “education” and licensing that won’t make any difference? Let’s use that money for something worthwhile where we CAN make a difference. Feel free to contact me at the email below to discuss this further.
people are going to be killed in accidents everyday in every imaginable way. a license or class will not save everyone. this is no more than another fee being put on us.
To compare boating accidents to highway accidents is asinine. There are exponentially more drivers on the road than boaters in the water so the chance of having a traffic incident (notice I did not say “accident”) are exponentially higher.
I’m not for “big government” but there are times it is applicable. I see this more as an education as opposed to “big government” over-stepping its bounds. To be honest, that excuse sounds like an alcoholic saying they don’t have a drinking problem.
I had no idea what the “rules of the road” were until I joined the Navy. Now, every time I’m on the water, my neck hurts at the end of day from shaking my head at all of the boaters out there that obviously don’t know or understand the rules of the road, as demonstrated by their actions on the water. I just don’t see a “negative” by making people get better-educated, at least at a basic level. I’m not saying they should have to take the Capt’s test.
Besides, if knowledge/education is power, why wouldn’t someone want to take part in such a class? Oh I know, the good ol’ “I don’t want the man telling me what to do” crowd would see it as some sort of social conformity. You silly rebel non-conformists with your archaic education-fearing mentalities make my ass tweetch.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
To compare boating accidents to highway accidents is asinine. There are exponentially more drivers on the road than boaters in the water so the chance of having a traffic incident (notice I did not say “accident”) are exponentially higher.
I’m not for “big government” but there are times it is applicable. I see this more as an education as opposed to “big government” over-stepping its bounds. To be honest, that excuse sounds like an alcoholic saying they don’t have a drinking problem.
I had no idea what the “rules of the road” were until I joined the Navy. Now, every time I’m on the water, my neck hurts at the end of day from shaking my head at all of the boaters out there that obviously don’t know or understand the rules of the road, as demonstrated by their actions on the water. I just don’t see a “negative” by making people get better-educated, at least at a basic level. I’m not saying they should have to take the Capt’s test.
Besides, if knowledge/education is power, why wouldn’t someone want to take part in such a class? Oh I know, the good ol’ “I don’t want the man telling me what to do” crowd would see it as some sort of social conformity. You silly rebel non-conformists with your archaic education-fearing mentalities make my ass tweetch.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
It's only "assinine" because you didn't do your homework... Do some research before you have such a strong opinion...
Auto Fatalities per 100,000 in 2013: 10.345
Boating Fatalities in SC per 100,000 registered boats in 2013: 5.8
Of COURSE there are WAY MORE DRIVERS… That IS what makes it dangerous…
Couple that with the fact that 70% of all boating f
Ha! Ha! Good ol’ skinnee! As long as you feel good about yourself, that’s all that matters.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
Way to stick to the "5 rules". -- dodge, dip, dive, duck and dodge!!!
Let us know when you want to discuss logical elements of the discussion… Until then, I am not the one looking for “feel good” stuff… I would rather just talk about the FACTS…
Oh I know, the good ol’ “I don’t want the man telling me what to do” crowd would see it as some sort of social conformity. You silly rebel non-conformists with your archaic education-fearing mentalities make my ass tweetch.
Does this mean that you are part of an “I love the man and love it when he makes me call him Daddy and I can’t breath unless someone instructs me how to” crowd? I’m just wondering.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
I don’t know what archer finds so funny but I’ll tell you what I find funny…people’s tone. There’s some good factual information being exchanged but when people decide to add in the “Internet tough guy” attitude, it actually dilutes the information being given and brings focus on the wrong topic. Comb different threads on CF and you’ll find the same people giving the same kind of responses. It is definitely easy to be tough behind a keyboard.
Now I’m sure this will be greeted with the typical “I don’t need to hide behind anything…I’m this badass in real life” response. This only solidifies my point.
Big Shrimpin, since not having any instrument of enforcement isn’t working, and you’re opposed to any legislation, what would you suggest as a resolution? Just curious.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
I am not necessarily opposed to any legislation. At the meeting, several ideas were exchanged; some good, some bad, and some really bad. I am always up for a healthy debate. I just thought I would poke some fun at someone that lumped anyone questioning the validity of legislating into a large group of southern, redneck non conformists. One way to stop the exchange of ideas is to belittle those who have differing opinions. I know two wrongs don’t make a right but I figured since someone got the ball rolling I may as well enjoy it. There is a certain group of people that exist today that cannot debate anything without getting personal; usually because the evidence simply does not support their case as strongly as they wish it did. I am a big supporter of educating boaters. Is it necessary to make it a law? I cannot say. Am I against it? NO. Does the current situation demand it? Definitely not. I hope everyone who is against legislation fills out a survey. If you are for some new legislation; fill out a survey. Just do not be silent. There were some extremely ridiculous proposals made by people at these meetings in which the vast majority of participants on this forum would absolutely despise. 100% life jacket wear no matter what on any size craft whether moving or not was one of them. Think about that. No alcohol on a boat period; doesn’t matter if there is a designated driver. I usually put two beers in my cooler before I head out for the day. I feel that as a big boy who is allowed to pay the state a large some of money in income tax, they should keep affording me this privilege as long as I am responsible. I do not know what the magic solution is to prevent all deaths on SC waters, but taking away my privileges and increasing burden is not the answer.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
Looking back at previous posts, I don’t know that the belittling came from just one person and I didn’t find the implication of “redneck.” I’ve also found, on here, that some are fine with belittling others as long as it’s not done back to them.
Moving on, I agree with most of what you’re saying. While I have been known to enjoy more than my share of adult beverages, I take being in the boat no lighter than being in my truck. Sadly, for every person that can be responsible, there are countless more that cannot. Even more sadly, legislation isn’t established for the “responsible” among us and it never will be. I understand that people like skinnee are learned and experienced at everything beyond his years, but again, rules and legislation are usually created for the lowest common denominator. I feel as though I’m relatively competent but if legislation were passed tomorrow stating I had to take a class to be able to hit the water, I’d be the first in line. I’ll do pretty much whatever I have to in order to do the things I want to do. Maybe I’m over-simplifying things but that’s how I see it.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
I hear you, but there is no need to sit idly by. We should do what we can to prevent that in which we do not like. These politicians know they need our support to keep their jobs. There are approximately one half million boat owners in this state and an even larger population that enjoys the boats of others. Maybe I reached a little on the “redneck” but that was the impression that I was given from reading his text. I also felt that my response to archer was logically valid. I am absolutely fine with anyone who wants belittle me on an internet forum. I have thick skin and will never take it personally. I think most of the time it is done in fun. Just to let you know: in real life I am a weakling and not capable of kicking anyone’s a$$. It is not my intention to portray otherwise on this forum.
2013 Ranger Z21 Intracoastal 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO
Don’t confuse my comments as someone to sit idly by for anything. It just seems that some will go against something simply because they don’t want to be told that they “have to do it” even if that “something” is good or at the very least not bad.
I don’t feel I need to come on to public Internet forums and vow to take action or announce my actions taken to everyone as though I’m needing their approval. Actions speak louder than words. Granted, it would be harder for several people on here to portray the Internet tough guy they strive to be every time they post something but I feel it’s far more effective and far less laughable. Sadly, some people have keyholed themselves into said personna and wouldn’t know how to interact otherwise.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
I put up real stats from real websites... You... Nothing... Shooting from the hip... Argument based on your "feeling" and not on real statistics. It's the liberal way! I'm sure you make them proud.
You can “LOL” all you want. We both know it’s just a cop out because you can’t back up your ridiculous statements.