Evening star., 1938-06-26
Overlooking HIT
AS MAJOR FAULT.
Stay With Capsized Craft,
OstraciZe Pranksters,
Other Suggestions.
By MALCOLM LAMBORNE, Jr.

BY MALCOLM LAMBORNE. Jr.
In making an appeal this week fol-
campaign for safety in small boats
the Department of Commerce takes
steps through its Bureau of Marine
Inspection and Navigation for a pro-
gram of good seamanship throughout
the waterways Of the Nation. Charged
with the duty of maintaining safety
OF life at sea. the bureau is we'll fitted
TO point out many of the common mis-
takes that newcomers to the sport
make every season.
As increasing number take to the
water for the first time it is inevitable
that more accidents, involving damage
and loss of life, are reported. But with
knowledge and application of a few
fundamentals, the majority Of mishaps
need never have happened.
The experienced yachtsman, alert
to the possibility of seeing the sport
placed in an unfavorable light, knows
that small boats properly handled are
entirely safe for the purpose for which
they are intended. He is aware that
an accident almost is certain to be
caused by recklessness or ignorance of
the ways of little ships.
This is one place, however, where
blame for an accident cannot be
placed on the other fellow, as with
trafflc mishaps on the highways. The
responsibility rests entirely upon the
operator and occupants of the boat.
Overlooking a Common Fault.
Overlooking, according to the bu-
reau. is the greatest single fault con-
trlbuting to accidents af1oat. The
conditions of wind and sea at the time
or that might be encountered should
be the first factor for consideration.
After all its not how many you would
like to take along for the afternoon,
but what load may be carried safely
under conditions prevailing. When
every one is seated it should be up to
some one-nowhere will be found more
OF a need for one person to take charge
snd issue orders than in a boat-to
caution against sudden shifting of
weights.
If you must change seats, first ex-
plain to each other what move YOU
intend to make and then keep the
weight evenly distributed on the center
line and as low as possible. And don't
Try 1t in exposed waters.
In preparing for an upset take a
count on all those who can swim
For them and non-swimmers alike
life preservers should be provided
Federal regulation requires that all
hsnds must have them. so you are
only obeying the law. If a capsizinp
occurs stay with the boat. Hang on.
for It will sustain your weight for
hours. 1t is usually the person who
heads for shore who is never picked
up. An overturned craft can be seen
much sooner and easier.
Leave Pranksters Behind.
II YOU care to make your trip a
pleasant and accident-free- one leave
the prankster and landlubber brae-
CART on the dock. There is lots of
room ashore for his tricks. He's the
sort that will swagger around the
deck trying to make you believe he
knows all there is on matters nautical.
He will find bravado has no place in
a boat. .-.
Don't rock the beat" might be a
gag line on shore, but on board a
small craft it's law. The guy that
rocks boat is no better than the
person who said. after the gun went
Of. L didn't know it was loaded"
Motor boat owners are advised to
look to their equipment The Govern
ment rules that certain essentials be
carried, not because the marine supply
business will benefit. but those aboard
who are trusted to your ARE will
when an emergency arises A check
up today on fire and explosion hazards
might pay big dividends. A few
changes in faulty installation are
cheaper than lives.
In addition to a warning on ex-
cessive speed in crowded anchoraees
and the resultant damage by wakes
to small craft, power boat operators.
particularly younger people. are cau-
toned against moving among people
eN'iiiHihs. OCi lOuS Injuries nave OeSn
inflicted on swimmers by showing of
with motor boats near a bathing
beach.
Insist on Life Belts.
Although the kids will object In
many instances it is always a wise
parent that insists they wear life
belts. whether they can swim or not.
A youngster overheard may lose his
head and quickly become exhausted.
Summer squalls seldom are dan
eerous unless they catch you un-
evares. You won't be caught If you
watch the sky. Until it hits you
never can tell how much wind there
Is In black squall Unless you
have done it many times before. it's
always best to drop the anchor over
in lieu of riding 1t out under power
or sail.
THE only way to learn to handle
boat is to practice, but do 1t under
safe conditions and 70 as not to
jeopardize others. After that it's
question of using common sense and
remembering to respect boat for
what 1t is. Then 1t won't fail you.