JULY 30, 2010
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Follow boating rules for safety’s sake Ask anyone and they’ll tell you they’re an excellent driver, regardless of whether their thing is Harleys, cars or boats. With a bit of experience, most boat operators are in fact good at driving their vessel and able to dock, trailer and ON THE tow skiers all with competent steering ATER and throttle skill. I’ll bet even the dozens of operators involved in the 72 Delta boating deaths in the decade ending 2004 would have told you the CAPT. JON very same thing a BLOOM day before their incident. Tragically, on June 13, a wakeboarder met a boat head-on in a narrow section of Old River, with serious injuries resulting to both the boarder and boat driver. Delta boating incidents often involve excessive speed, inattention and taking risks operating in narrow, twisty waterways. Are you familiar with the Inland Navigation Rules and whom they affect? Do you know the proper signal for overtaking a slower vessel ahead of you? Probably like the majority of pleasure craft operators, you know bits and pieces of the rules having acquired them over the years by talking with boating friends and through observation. The rules are published by the U.S. Coast Guard and apply to everyone operating a vessel of any size or type in the Delta. You can access them free online at www.navcen.uscg.gov/mwv/navrules/ rotr_online.htm. Very simply, they are operating criteria designed to prevent collisions. For example, Rule 6 requires operating at a safe speed for conditions present so as to stop or safely avoid other vessels. Let’s face it: part of the attraction to boating is the freedom and exhilaration of opening up the throttle and letting
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the same direction, Rule 13 says the “overtaking” vessel has the obligation to stay well clear of the boat ahead. If there isn’t room or sufficient visibility around the corner, throttle back and be patient for the necessary conditions to pass safely. Always assume there is a vessel coming around the corner that you can’t see. As to the proper signal question posed above, Rule 34 requires the overtaking vessel to sound specific horn blasts to communicate intent, with acknowledge blasts by the vessel being passed. I have yet to hear any vessel comply with Rule 34, and
expect that most operators would think the other guy is just being rude or impatient. Knowledge and practice of the Nav Rules makes the waterways safer for everyone and goes a long way toward avoiding life-altering tragedies such as the accident that occurred last month. Please, spend a few minutes reviewing the rules so we can all boat safely and have fun. Jonathan Bloom is a USCG licensed Master and ASA certified sailing instructor. He can be reached via www.baydeltafun.com. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
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Congressman John Garamendi will make an appearance at a free Senior Citizens Resource Fair in Antioch on Thursday, Aug. 12. The fair, held at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F St. and sponsored by Garamendi, will offer a wide range of information on federal, state and county providers of nutrition, exercise, health-screening and other services. The fair will run from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 925932-8899 or visit www.garamendi.house. gov/district.
her fly. Most modern wake and bass boats will move at or near freeway speeds. However, none are equipped with antilock brakes. Congested or narrow waterways require lower speeds than long, straight cuts, especially on busy weekend days. Rules 9 and 14 are very Delta appropriate, requiring vessels to stay to the right in narrow channels and pass port to port, much like driving a car, where you stay on the right hand side of the “road.” When approaching a slower vessel from behind and traveling
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*This incentive offer is available on select homes in qualifying neighborhoods and Pulte Homes will credit to the buyer at closing an additional amount of up to $10,000. The actual amount of the credit available to a buyer will vary by home and by neighborhood. The credit may be used by the buyer toward the cost of options at the home, closing costs, or may be used to reduce the purchase price of the home, but may not be paid in cash to the buyer. The amount of the credit from Pulte Homes may be limited by the terms of a buyer’s mortgage program, please consult your lender for further details and restrictions. Program may not be combined with other promotions or discounts. This offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time without notice. Additional conditions, limitations, and restrictions apply; see a sales associate for details. Prices subject to change without notice. Prices listed are base prices and do not include lot premiums or options. This material shall not constitute a valid offer in any state where prior registration is required or if void by law. The photograph depicts a model containing features or designs that may not be available on all homes or in all areas. Features and designs vary per plan and community and are subject to changes or substitution without notice. Contact a sales associate for details. Pulte Home Corporation is a licensed California real estate broker (lic. #00876003) ©2010 Pulte Homes. All rights reserved. 7/13/2010