I think this is good advise. Spotlights effect your night vision which
interferes with your ability to bring the boat into the dock.

One other thing I don't know how many times I have been blinded by car
headlights shining out into the lake as I have tried to bring the boat
into the launching ramp.

If you need continuous illumination don't sail at night.



Chuck Gould wrote:

Here's an interesting press release from Boat US. Pretty good stuff
about basic safety on the 4th of July, until you get to the last
paragraph.

Boat US should add: Please, please, please, do *not* just hand a
spotlight to your kids or some inexperienced guest! Spotlights
definitely blind other boaters, and looking at objects illuminated by
that bright white light will hve a negative impact on the night vision
of the skipper from which the spotlight is shining. Spotlights are for
intermittent use only (spotting a nav aid, occasionally scanning for
deadheads, etc), and should not be considered an "aimable headlight."

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatU.S. News Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864,
Date: June 26, 2006

BOATU.S. EXPECTS NATION'S WATERWAYS
TO BE LESS CROWDED ON JULY 4th HOLIDAY

Yet 4,000 Boaters Will Still Need Assistance

The nation's birthday is traditionally the busiest boating time of the
year as thousands of boaters converge for local fireworks displays,
family cruises, or other on-the-water activities. But the towing arm
of BoatU.S., the country's largest boat owners association, says that
unlike traditional, three-day July 4th holiday periods, waterway
traffic from Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4th is expected to be
more spread out and not concentrated on one or two days. However, this
still means that about 4,000 recreational boaters are expected to call
the association's 24-hour TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist dispatch
centers to request on-the-water assistance during this five-day holiday
period. The two towing operations provide assistance to boaters such as
tows back to port, fuel drop offs or battery jump starts.

Requests for on-the-water assistance to dispatch centers in Virginia
and California have traditionally been a reliable indicator of
recreational boating volume on the nation's waterways. Jerry
Cardarelli, Vice President of BoatU.S. Towing Services said, "With
waterfront town fireworks displays on different dates and the varied
vacation schedules of boaters, there will probably be less congestion
on the Fourth. But it's still going to be pretty busy out there
navigating your way home in the dark and we caution all boaters not to
let their guard down," he added.

In addition, Cardarelli notes that while fuel prices may have had an
impact on weekday and offshore boating patterns, this won't be a factor
on July 4th. "If it is anything like Memorial Day - which was the
second busiest period for recreational boating traffic - boaters won't
be too worried about gas prices." There were over 3,000 calls for
TowBoatU.S. and Vessel Assist over the three-day Memorial Day holiday
period.

Cardarelli says that that about half of all calls for assistance are
classified as general engine failures, followed by soft ungroundings,
dead batteries and running out of fuel. Accidentally entangling some
other boat's anchor line is also common at fireworks shows, as there is
often little wiggle room to maneuver.

Having a safe July 4th ultimately rests with the boat's operator. That
advice is echoed by Ruth Wood, BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety
and Clean Water President. "Boating stress factors such as fatigue and
long exposure to the sun will increase alcohol's effect on the body, so
if you want to have a post fireworks drink, wait until you and your
crew get home," says Wood.

Wood recommends that boaters brush up their boating skills before going
out on July 4th by going to the Foundation's free online "Boater's
Toolbox" (http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation/toolbox). "There's no easier
way to learn how to cope with holiday traffic than by reviewing the
Toolbox's animated, rules of the road section before you head out. It
easily and clearly shows how to avoid collisions, safely overtake
another vessel or operate in a narrow channel - common maneuvers on
boating's busiest day of the year," Wood added. Some of the Toolbox's
15 educational sections include information on the dangers of Carbon
Monoxide, tips on Litter Prevention, Clean Fueling and more.

Wood also adds, "Accidents happen very quickly -- it's often too late
to put on a life jacket after a mishap. So, we recommend everyone wear
one -- especially while heading home after the fireworks."

To help prevent becoming a statistic, Cardarelli and Wood have these
additional tips:

· For some boaters this is the one time a year they will operate at
night, so ensure all navigation lights work before you go. Bring an
extra flashlight with spare batteries. Also make sure everyone aboard
can use the VHF radio and that safety gear is readily available.

· Many boaters will go out early and raft up all day long running
fans, sound systems or other appliances. Having a self-contained
battery jump-pack on board could also help.


· For trailer boaters, the two biggest causes for trailer
breakdowns are flat tires and locked bearings so check both before you
go, and have a complete spare tire - inflated on the rim - available.
Also stop along the way periodically to check your rig.

· Take your time, have patience and don't rush home after the
fireworks show. Don't take shortcuts and post extra lookouts with a
spotlight.

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