A very lucky beginner indeed.
Brains not source of any headaches, either.


RECREATIONAL BOAT CROSSES RESTRICTED BAR IN BANDON, ORE.
SEATTLE - A 22-foot recreational boat was escorted back into Bandon,
Ore., by the Coast Guard after crossing a restricted bar Thursday
morning.

At 8 a.m., watchstanders from the Coast Guard Coquille River Patrol
observed the boat heading toward the bar, which was restricted to all
recreational boats.

The Coast Guard attempted to contact the master of the boat on VHF
channel 16 several times to warn him about the restricted bar. Coast
Guardsmen then attempted to get the masters attention by waving to him
from shore. The master did not respond and crossed the bar which was
breaking at 4-to-6 feet.

At 8:06 a.m., the station launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat which moved
the recreational boat offshore away from the bar. At 10 a.m., the
conditions on the bar had improved enough to allow the Coast Guard to
safely escort the boat back in across the river's entrance.

The master explained to Coast Guard boarding officers that he was
unfamiliar with the boat which he had purchased several days ago. He
also explained that he saw that the rough bar warning light was
illuminated, but did not know what it meant. Although the vessel was
equipped with a VHF radio, the master said he was unable to hear the
Coast Guard's warnings because it was not turned on.

The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters to check local bar and
weather conditions before heading out. Boaters operating on the Oregon
and Washington coast should have knowledge of rough bars and the ways
in which the Coast Guard warns mariners of danger. Warnings of
dangerous bar conditions should be taken seriously. If in doubt,
mariners should contact the nearest Coast Guard station on VHF channel
16 and ask for an updated bar report.

Boating safety classes and free vessel safety checks are available
through the Coast Guard Auxiliary to ensure boaters are familiar with
the operation and condition of their vessel. For information on
receiving a free vessel safety check or to take a boating class go to
http://a130.uscgaux.info/. Accidents can occur in seconds and knowing
where and how to operate safety equipment can mean the difference
between life and death.

A photo of a rough bar warning light can be seen be clicking on the
following link:
http://www.piersystem.com/clients/uscg-13/23409.jpg