Fatal Boat Wreck at Barkley last week

[elnutsmalljaws]

Looking for suggestions on making the water safer for the pleasure boaters, pleasure fishermen and the tournament fishermen. Obviously last week the accident happened on Barkley had a lot of variables to contribute to the accident: big tournaments launching at the same time, lakes at winter pool which lessons the amount of water to run safely, possible fog in the area, running on the "wrong" side of the channel...... Suggestions to make the waters safer in todays competitive lakes with todays faster boats ect.

[artcarney_agr]

At the very least, a passing score on an online test would be a step in the right direction. It would ensure that boat operators have read through the boater operation manual and are competent enough to pass the test.

Proof of test completion would have to be presented during routine safety checks on the water, and be a requirement for anyone entering a bass tournament. Failure to comply would result in fines, penalties, etc.

Florida offers one, and it's good for life once you pass it. I believe some resorts require you to possess one regardless of age if you plan on renting a boat.
http://www.floridaboatingcourse.com/

[olgreenboat]

Stiffer fines and ENFORCING the laws would be a good start but it comes down to education / rules of the waterways I mean any one with enough $$ and or credit can buy what ever boat and have at it with out any knowledge of the water..
I think if you get a ticket on the water you should have to do the same as on the road go to driving school and take a test on the rules of the water.
Not having 2 tournaments would help and only letting like 4 or 5 boats go 1 munute or 2 apart would help as far as having a boat that only goes so fast is not the answer at all it comes down to education and rules of the water more than anything..

[Shimano4Life]

Stiffer fines and ENFORCING the laws would be a good start but it comes down to education / rules of the waterways I mean any one with enough $$ and or credit can buy what ever boat and have at it with out any knowledge of the water..

I am in total agreement with this statement. Being employed at a couple of dealerships, anyone can walk in an buy a 21' boat with a 250hp engine without previously having owned a boat or having any experience on the water.

The best advice I can give would be to ALWAYS do your homework on a lake. Know when and where you're going. Look at maps and your GPS the night before -- DON'T STARE AT IT WHILE YOU'RE RUNNING. Also, take into consideration that water levels change and places that look safe to run on GPS may not be safe at the current moment (examples: Cumberland, KY, Barkley, etc.) Stay in the creek channels if you can't help yourself and have to run 70mph+, and more so, pay attention to what others are doing. Keep your foot out of the throttle -- especially when there is a lot of traffic and be conscious of what others are doing, as well as yourself.

I'm also a strong advocate against mixing water and alcohol. There is nothing wrong with drinking as long as you do it responsibly. I drink, but choose not to while on the water. I know some will disagree with this, but what is the point in participating in something that is only fun when you're drunk??? There are too many overwhelming factors to take into consideration while drinking on the water. Hell, think about all the unexpected bad things that happen while drinking (not just on the water but on land as well at bars, parties, etc). People fall, pass out, get beligerent, etc.

There is also a fine line that can be crossed when navigating rough water (example: KY Lake and Barkley). If it's too rough, plan another day.

Most of all, go with your instincts. If you think a situation is sketchy or could possibly be hazardous (traffic, rough water, unfamiliar water), BACK OUT. This is the best way to avoid any possible accidents.

Just be well prepared and take others into consideration......that is all the advice I have to offer. It may save your life, as well as someone else's.

And for the record, I AGREE WITH STATE-MANDATED licenses and testing to operate boats. Possibly different tests for different horsepower ratings.......but a general test for anyone who plans on getting behind the wheel.

[ResidentCombo]

http://www.boat-ed.com/ky/course/p4-3_whomayoperate.htm

http://www.boat-ed.com/ky/index.htm

Currently in KY, if you are between 12 and 17 you have to have a Boater Ed Card, but once you are over 17, you dont need it anymore.

Why Not just make it like the Hunter Ed Card, and set a Date, Like Jan 1 1985, and say if born agfter this date, youhave to have it. Anyone this age or younger would have fallen under the requirement at some age anyway!!!

I know it wont help in the short term, but eventually it will cover everyone, and realistically, even this would be hard to get through the politicians to become law..

[walkeraviator]

I am in agreement here. Education should be manditory. You should have to carry proof that you have been educated in proper and safe boating practices to actually be the "pilot-in-command" of your vessel. I think that reckless operation laws that are already in existance should be enforced more, and having a better presence of authority on the water is a good idea. I might see a warden or police officer 1 time out of 20 on a lake. But laws restricting tournament numbers is counter productive. Because then it becomes a pissing match on who gets screwed out of teh tourney... usually ends up being those with less in their pockets...

With that said... be proactive out there guys... be the responsible ones with yoru head on a swivel and drive offensively (as in not defensively... not meant as drive like a butthole)... and educate others whether they want to hear it or not...

[BPenrod]

I'm also a strong advocate against mixing water and alcohol. There is nothing wrong with drinking as long as you do it responsibly. I drink, but choose not to while on the water. I know some will disagree with this, but what is the point in participating in something that is only fun when you're drunk??? There are too many overwhelming factors to take into consideration while drinking on the water. Hell, think about all the unexpected bad things that happen while drinking (not just on the water but on land as well at bars, parties, etc). People fall, pass out, get beligerent, etc.

I agree 1 million % with this!!!!!

[CTFSHWHISKER]

common sense is the best cure.weren't most of the options and theories covered in the other 100+ replies on this similar post?

[fishincreek]

Remembering that to everyone else in the world YOU are the "other guy".

[rickhise]

everyone has made great recommendations, suggestions. I come as close to living, on the water as anyone on here. There is very little very little enforcement. As a retired police officer, its easy to understand why we are fighting an up hill battle, take your one county game warden, throw in the various hunting seasons, deer season throw in other impoundments a river. In service training, vacation time sick leave.

I understand we have other's in authority but I just don't see them. So with all your rules & test,
without enforcement you don't have much.

Law enforcement cant get a handle on the highway with cell phone issues, where do u think our water ways stand in the food chain?

[offdtop]

At the very least, a passing score on an online test would be a step in the right direction. It would ensure that boat operators have read through the boater operation manual and are competent enough to pass the test.

Proof of test completion would have to be presented during routine safety checks on the water, and be a requirement for anyone entering a bass tournament. Failure to comply would result in fines, penalties, etc.

Florida offers one, and it's good for life once you pass it. I believe some resorts require you to possess one regardless of age if you plan on renting a boat.
http://www.floridaboatingcourse.com/

i believe this would be great, not to mention an influx of money for taking the test to an agency like water patrol to help step up more enforcement (if they have more funds then patrolling should be more prevalent JMHO). You know I remember when I was a kid anyone with a gun could hunt and they passed the hunter safety program and you were required to take it and if you go to another state they require it too - so whats the difference.

As a tournament director I think it's an awesome thing as well, I have safety meetings at our monthly meetings and there had been a number of guys in the past that were not using life jackets when running back in and after a few disqualifications that ended. I would do the training myself I would actually encourage anybody.

[ResidentCombo]

The training is free if you get it through Fish & Game. I took it at the marina on Laurel with my neighbor and his kids, since I found out I get a discount on boat insurance for having the class.