America’s waterways and winding rivers provide some of the most exciting boating destinations and best fishing spots. But when you’re in too much of a hurry to get to those places, there are some navigation challenges you might miss.
When you’re navigating around points and you take them too close, you risk losing much more than that great fishing spot or the best anchorage. In this video, a veteran marine patrol trooper on the Lake of the Ozarks shares a tragic accident he responded to a few years ago, and how it could’ve been avoided.
Two bass fishermen came around a point from opposite directions, both traveling too fast and too close to the point. By the time they saw each other it was too late to avoid a catastrophic collision. Learn from their mistake, and always maintain a line of sight and leave plenty of room when rounding points.
This simulation of the dangers of unsafe navigation was made possible by the generous support of Bass Cat Boats.
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons®, or your state boating agency’s Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more tips on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.
