Safety Takes No Holiday

A huge banner bearing that safety slogan hung across the plant entrance where I worked in my younger years. It was a steel forging plant and a dangerous workplace. Forging hammers crashing, furnaces blasting, forklifts buzzing everywhere; smokey, dirty and hot…you needed eyes in the back of your head.

I left there almost forty years ago; the serene landscape along the ICW where I now live seems so distant and safe by comparison. But – Safety Takes No Holiday!

Late on the evening of January 27 two young men were boating on the ICW and ran out of gas near the Sanctuary at Port O’Connor. They called a friend who quickly delivered some fuel, and that’s where the story turns to tragedy.

Somehow – details are sketchy – they got their boat running and with their friend running alongside, got back underway. Within a short distance they became suddenly aware they were heading directly into the path of a barge. Taking evasive action, the boat that delivered the fuel missed it narrowly. The other boat was not so lucky and was struck and dragged under.

One young man lost his life and one was injured very seriously. The body of the deceased young man was not recovered for seven days. The young man who survived remains hospitalized in San Antonio. The surviving young man was heroically rescued by the driver of the other boat. A young woman also on board somehow managed to navigate that vessel to accomplish the rescue…with no knowledge whatever how to operate it…call it the hand of God.

So, let’s consider some facts. My purpose is not to condemn or criticize the actions of the young people involved that tragic evening. What I want more than anything is to hopefully remind and educate others.

Boating at night is potentially very hazardous. The way ahead should always be lighted adequately to preclude grounding or striking other obstacles. Lightbars are great but can cast dangerous glare onto oncoming vessels. Use that type of light most judiciously. Handheld lights are safer in many situations. Remember – do not blind your fellow boater.

Navigation lights should be switched on at all times, even when not underway. PFDs should be worn at all times when boating in darkness. Your GPS is a great navigational device but it cannot tell you the path ahead is clear, even if you are following tracks that were just recently safe. Wear your engine’s kill switch lanyard at all times when underway.

Common sense, right? But sometimes we all need a reminder. Let’s all pray for the family of the young man who lost his life and a speedy recovery for his companion.