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Archie H Schmidt, FSO-PA

Fellow boaters and waterfront property owners deserve our courtesy. The
dictionary defines courtesy as "respect for and consideration of others".
We urge drivers to respect the rights of others on the road. It should be
no different on the water. This concept is even more important when
boating.

We in Southwest Florida are surrounded by water in rivers and canals. We
like being on the water or close to it. It means freedom to many boaters.
But abusing that freedom can prevent other boaters and waterfront
property owners from enjoying the peacefulness of the waterways and
shorelines. Don't you feel upset when the wake of a passing boat almost
laps over your dock and bounces and thrashes that beautiful boat of
yours? Did you know that the speed limit on all local canals is "no
wake"?

Lack of courtesy also creates a need for more restrictive laws and more
active enforcement. The following are some suggestions on how to be a
courteous boater:


· High-speed boating is dangerous - especially in restricted or congested
areas.  The boat operator is responsible for staying well clear of
swimmers and anchored or slow moving craft. Some areas have laws that
restrict the distance and speed at which a boat may approach swimmers,
docks, the edge of the shoreline, or anchored/moored boats. Be familiar
with the local regulations.


· Respect the rights of shoreline property owners.
Boaters must have permission from the landowner to launch, moor or beach
a boat on private property. Also, noise carries farther on water
-especially at night. So if you are anchoring off shore near a waterfront
home, keep voices low, play music softly, and leave quietly.


· You are responsible for any damage caused by your wake. You may not
realize that after your cruise through an area, your wake can rack moored
and anchored vessels and also erode the shoreline. Big vessel operators
know what their wake will do to smaller boats in the main channel. Be
aware of your surroundings.


· Don't throw any litter overboard for someone else to pick up. Laws
prohibit throwing or discharging refuse into the water.


· If operating at night, use your running lights. Not only is it the law,
it is the safe thing to do.


Responsible boaters know the rules of the water and make sure they are
followed. They are always conscious of their noise level and speed while
on the water, showing respect for fellow boaters. Because boaters usually
do not have their own personal boating areas, they must share the
waterways with other types of water users. It is not unusual to see
sailors, kayakers, divers, personal watercraft operators, canoeists,
anglers and commercial boats all operating on the same waterway.

Therefore, courtesy will help reduce conflict and allow for a pleasant
and safe day on the water.

SAFE BOATING IS NO ACCIDENT!