Chain of Lakes Breeze July 2020

INSIDE • Boating on the Chain O’Lakes • Prevent drowning • Recharge on the water

JULY 2020 • VOL. 7 NO. 2

Breeze Chain O’ Lakes

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CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

Alcohol myth or fact?

MYTH: Beer is less intoxicating than wine or distilled liquor.

FACT: One 12-ounce beer contains the same amount of alcohol as 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

MYTH: A cold shower, coffee, physical activity, or fresh air will sober you up.

FACT: Cold showers and coffee will only produce a clean, wide-awake drunk. Only your liver can detoxify alcohol, and only time can sober you up.

MYTH: A shot of brandy or whiskey will warm you up.

FACT: In moderate amounts, alcohol dilates the blood vessels close to the skin giving a deceptive “glow” of warmth.

In fact, the dilated blood vessels reduce your body’s ability to guard against heat loss.

Source: BoatUS Foundation for Safety and Clean Water.

Boat sober OR stay ashore

U.S. COAST GUARD PHOTO The Breeze

A few years ago, BoatUS received a surprising letter. The writer described a Memorial Day weekend getaway on a Florida lake with five friends.

The group all went out on the boat, drank some beer, and had some snacks before visiting a bar that evening where they had some more drinks. When they left the bar, it was dark and they were all singing and laughing as the boat zoomed back across the lake.

The next thing the letter writer remembered was waking up in a hospital, his jaw wired shut, having been unconscious for days. One of the friends from the boat visited him in the hospital that day and told him that, on the way back, they had struck an unlit dock. One of the passengers, she said, had broken his back, crippling him.

Another had a serious brain injury. Sadly, another passenger died of his injuries.

The letter writer was the owner and operator of the boat that night and was charged with boating under the influence as well as manslaughter.

BoatUS has long warned of the dangers of drinking and boating, and the letter really got our attention after we realized it came from the Florida State Prison where the writer had been sentenced to several years.

“Who would have thought going boating and having some drinks would have led to this?” he wrote. “We were on a boat, not in a car, no one had to drive, and there was almost no one else on the lake that night. But I will have this grief, sorrow, and profound regrets the rest of my life.”

This tragic story, unfortunately, is too common. According to the latest U.S. Coast Guard statistics, alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 19% of deaths. And alcohol use ranks as one of the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. Because most minor accidents aren’t reported to the Coast Guard, it’s hard to say how many dock bruises, falls, and aggressive boating incidents are related to alcohol, but it’s also likely to be in the top five.

Alcohol dangers

Most people know that alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance, and coordination, which greatly increase the likelihood of accidents. The Coast Guard says that in alcohol-related fatalities, more than half the victims capsized their boats or went

overboard. But what you might not know is that a boater is even more likely to become impaired than a driver of a car.

Stressors, such as exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare, wind, and the motion of the water affect our skills when we drive a boat. Research shows that hours of exposure to these stressors produce a kind of a fatigue, or “boater’s hypnosis,” which slows reaction time almost as much as if you were legally drunk. Adding alcohol intensifies the effects, and each drink multiplies your accident risk.

Drinking alcohol also deteriorates cognitive abilities and judgment, which makes it harder to process information, assess situations, and make good choices.

Balance and coordination are impaired, and reaction time increased.

Alcohol causes decreased peripheral and night vision as well as depth perception and makes it harder to distinguish colors, particularly the all-important red and green of boat navigation lights and aids to navigation.

An extra risk factor: Most boaters don’t have the benefit of operating a boat every day as they do with the family car and are much less experienced driving a boat and less able to react appropriately and quickly to a potential accident.

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Inebriated passengers at risk

Designated drivers are a great idea for cars but not so much for boats. Unlike a car, where you can fasten passengers’ seat belts and drive them home, passengers on a boat, while you’re at the helm, are free to roam about and even have more drinks.

BoatUS Marine Insurance claims files have numerous instances of passengers who were injured when they fell onboard, or were injured or even drowned after falling overboard after drinking. Every passenger who is drinking is a significant safety issue, and a sober skipper may not be able to keep a sharp eye on inebriated passengers.

The Coast Guard and every state have laws that make it illegal to boat while you’re impaired, and penalties continue to increase.

Most states have standards for intoxication that match the state’s highway laws for operating a motor vehicle, which is typically a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater. Penalties can and do include large fines, suspension, or revocation of boat operator privileges, and jail terms.

The BoatUS Foundation for Safety and Clean Water is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping boating safe and clean.

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On the cover

The Chain O’Lakes comes alive during the summer boating season.

(Sandra Landen Machaj photo)

Boating on the Chain

CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

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SUMMER LOOKS A BIT DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

By Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

Summer 2020 on the Chain O’ Lakes won’t be quite the same as past years, but there are still plenty of sun filled days of boating, swimming, fishing and other warm weather activities ahead, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we enjoy more sunshine and warmer temperatures we begin to see more boats out on the water. The fishermen make their way to the lake of their choice where they will enjoy their favorite spring and summer activity, fishing.

Each fisherman has a favorite spot where they believe the fish are waiting for them.

No large parties, please

As we make our way once again into a more active life style, we must remember the lessons we learned over the past several months as the COVID-19 virus spread through our country and the world.

We have spent months isolated from each other in an attempt to stop the spread and save lives of those we know and love.

Remember that social distancing is still important. Now is not the time to indulge in large parties at home or on your boats but rather continue to observe the recommended physical separation so that we may all survive and enjoy more time together in the future.

Once again the speedboats are racing up and down the Chain, enjoying time on the water and creating waves. Sometimes they are pulling a water skier. Large tubes are fun to ride in as they are pulled through the waves produced by the boat. From children to adults the pull of time on the water skis or less actively riding the waves in a tube brings families together.

According to Munson Marine in Fox Lake, the most popular boat seems to be the pontoon boat. Once considered the old person’s boat as it moved slowly in the water, today’s pontoons have changed dramatically. Many have much larger engines than the older pontoons and while resting on air tubes they are known for their buoyancy as they move across the water.

Pontoon boats are known for their versatility in styles. They have adequate seating which when ordered new can be customized to meet your needs. They are comfortable for entertaining and are easy to drive and dock especially for those just starting to enjoy boating.

With proper care pontoons have a long life span. Pontoon boats do not change much in style so there is little desire to update the boat as frequently. With the right engine it is no longer “grandpa’s pontoon.” Throughout the Chain O’ Lakes pontoons are frequently seen cruising down the waterway as riders enjoy the breeze on their faces while visiting with friends.

This year with fuel costs so low, many boat owners are looking forward to taking their boats out more frequently. The high fuel costs of past years often kept some owners limiting use of their boats to a

minimum.

For those who are enjoying a slower calmer time, they launch their single or double kayaks and enjoy paddling along the lake.

Kayaking has become a favorite sport on the water in the last five to 10 years.

Inexpensive to buy and no cost to run, no motor just paddle power, families are frequently seen in groups making their way along the lake.

Boating has something for everyone.

Even when not in a boat the beauty of the boats travelling in the water on a beautiful day is enjoyed by those watching from the shore.

Many docks remain empty early this spring, awaiting the arrival of their boats from storage. The Chain O’Lakes is bustling with activity now that summer has arrived. Inset: A group of pelicans gather to enjoy life on the lake this spring. The birds migrate north as the warmer weather occurs.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ The Breeze

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CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

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Water safety is a priority all year long, but gets even more attention every summer. A few simple safety measures can prevent many drownings.

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9 ways to prevent drowning all year long

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Spending time in and around water is a favorite pastime for adults and children.

Swimming, boating, running through sprinklers, and soaking in a nice warm tub can be great ways to relax and have fun.

Even though water play can be exciting, it also can be dangerous. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four and the fifth leading cause of accidental death overall in the United States, offers UCI Health.

Calm rivers can hide swift currents, rocks and tree branches. Ocean rip tides and rough waves can confound even excellent swimmers. Lake waters can be extremely cold, even in summer, making it challenging for a person to stay afloat and avoid hypothermia. It is essential for everyone to play it safe when in and around water. Here are nine ways to do just that.

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Avoid swimming or boating in high 1. running water, making sure to always check conditions before starting.

H O T D O G S

Never dive or jump into unfamiliar 2. or shallow water, advises Seattle Children’s Hospital.

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Obey barriers, such as markings 3. for deeper ends in pools, fencing around pools and ropes in open waters.

skiing.

The Red Cross says strong swimming 5. skills can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children age four and older can learn to swim. Enroll in a family swim class to brush up on skills.

Have eyes on children at all times 6. when they are in or around the water — both inside the home and outdoors.

Employ “touch supervision,” which means always remaining in arm’s reach of the child.

only in public swimming areas 7. Swim that are protected by lifeguards.

Do not mix alcohol and water 8. recreation. Remain sober when boating, swimming or supervising children Drains in pools and spas can be 9. deadly. The Mayo Clinic says to keep children away from drains, as body parts and hair can become trapped by the strong suction.

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CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

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The water is open 5 tips to relax and recharge on a boat this summer Looking to get away this summer while social distancing? With annual traditions such as camps and sporting events cancelled, the best way to seek relief and recharge with your loved ones may be to “Get On Board” for a summer on the water.

Recent data suggests that interest in fishing and boating has grown amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a recent Harris poll, one in five Americans said they’re more likely to try these activities than they were prior to the pandemic. And among parents, the statistic is one in four.

Numerous marine dealers across the country are reporting strong spring sales with consumers eager to get on the water, and Discover Boating, the nation’s consumer boating resource, is seeing record growth in consumer web traffic and boat searches, signifying a high demand for close-to-home recreation.

With boating restrictions lifting nationwide and the COVID-19 response dictating where and how far people can travel, boating and fishing are ideal activities to de-stress and unwind, while naturally allowing you to abide by social distancing guidelines.

“The outdoors is a welcome remedy to stress and anxiety,” said Dr. Sue Varma, a nationally recognized psychiatrist. “Being in nature supports each of the four ‘M’s of mental health: mindfulness, mastery, meaningful engagement and movement. In particular, being on the water encourages mindfulness by helping you get away from distractions, it supports mastery by teaching you a new skill, it provides meaningful

for boat sharing are made on an app or via computer, minimizing personal contact and eliminating the need to enter an office. You can also inquire with the owners about their boat cleaning and sharing procedures to ensure a healthy transaction.

Join a boat club

Find a boat club near you to access a variety of boats. You’ll pay a monthly fee and be able book your time on the water online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, maintenance, and boat training courses, which all follow new CDC and social distancing guidelines.

Go fish SUBMITTED PHOTO The Breeze

According to recent data, one in four parents say they are more likely to try a new activity with their kids during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting outside and enjoying nature has become a popular way to keep the family busy.

engagement through quality time with others you may be quarantining with, and it promotes physical movement by getting you outside without requiring a strenuous workout. From a psychiatrist’s perspective, it’s a smart way to follow social distancing guidelines while prioritizing your health and wellness.”

Here are tips from Discover Boating to help you find your way to the water this summer.

Purchase your dream boat

Chart your own course to boat ownership by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you’ll find a boat finder and loan calculator tool to help determine your budget and identify the different types of boats that fit your lifestyle and interests. The site can connect you with manufacturers whose boats best fit your needs and wants, plus learn

about new boat shopping processes during COVID-19.

Rent a boat

Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly, daily or weekly access to a variety of boat types.

Rental outfitters give tutorials on operating a boat, provide safety instruction and offer suggestions on destinations.

Share a boat

Another rental option is peer-to-peer boat rentals. You can search by location or type of boat. Peer-to-peer rental services have tens of thousands of different boats available across the nation.

You simply connect with the owner, find out what sort of gear is aboard the boat and included in the rental, and other details, and then hit the water. Most arrangements

There are thousands of bodies of water where you can cast a line. TakeMeFishing. org is an all-in-one resource to help anyone get started fishing in minutes. Features on the site include how-to guides, an interactive map of places to fish near you, and water access updates to help you fish safely while social distancing. You can even purchase your fishing license on the site.

Whether you’re ready to purchase a boat or simply test the waters this summer, all marine businesses have new standard operating procedures following CDC guidelines to ensure the well-being of boaters and their staff. This includes personal protective equipment, socially distant classroom and on-water training, and enhanced sanitation protocol of boats.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for a host of resources and tips for getting on the water, boat shopping, safe practices amid the pandemic, public access maps and more. Planning to “Get On Board” this summer? Use the social media hashtag #TheWaterIsOpen to share your boating and fishing moments.

(BPT)

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CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

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16’ BLUEFIN FISHING BOAT 85 HP., trolling motor, two graphs, 4hp. kicker. $1,700 262-537-2724 1988 THOMPSON I/O 3.7 liter, Motor runs well, needs work. With trailer. $1400. OBO. 262-758-0770.

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Jet ski lift, Needs some repair $25.00.

1985 Mastercraft Prostar 190, trailer, (262) 949-6997 garaged, $2975 best. Text please (630) Jet ski lift, Lauderdale location. S95.00.

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CHAIN O’ LAKES BREEZE JULY 2020

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Homeowners and outdoor designers can work together to mix and match a variety of textures, colors and styles to create an outdoor space that suits any landscape – creating an extension of your home to make all your summer dreams come true.

STOCK PHOTO The Breeze

Dream of summer by planning your ideal outdoor space If you’re dreaming of summer, imagining how you could be relaxing with a good book in the shade, entertaining family in your outdoor kitchen, playing with the kids in the sunshine – or just breathing in the sights and sounds of nature in your own personal oasis – here are some tips to help kickstart the planning process when the time is right for you.

Modern landscaping and hardscaping offer limitless possibilities, so you can find the right solution to complement the way you live and your own personal tastes.

Whether you want a stylish lounge area for entertaining, a green-filled hideaway for connecting with nature, or a clean, minimal space for family fun and games, you can make it happen using a combination of pavers, walls, fire pits or even full outdoor kitchens.

Channel your imagination, plus a little pro advice, to help you create an outdoor space that is perfect for your family, budget and home. One great resource is Collections by Belgard, which offers outdoor designers, contractors and homeowners a way to virtually re-imagine their outdoor space by combining product

offerings that pair the right textures and colors to match your home’s style – as well as your vision.

First, spend a little time with your dream, nailing down what type of outdoor space you really want. What do you most want to do in your outdoor space, and what style best expresses your vision and personality?

Cozy natural retreat

Create a space for unwinding from the week’s stresses. Could you arrange a trellis or pergola bursting with plants and flowers to set your retreat apart from the rest of the yard? You could install relaxing hammocks or a serene fountain to complete your oasis.

Then choose hardscaping elements to work hand-in-hand with your favorite natural elements. For example, Belgard’s Natural Collection provides hardscaping with the look of slates and worn stone that can set the perfect tone for your special hideaway. You can also pair this style with elements from their Heritage Collection for a classic, earthy look – or combine walls or pavers from the Natural Collection with items from the Metropolitan Collection,

creating a contemporary yet soft and inviting vibe.

Relaxed entertaining center

Maybe your dream sanctuary is a cozy fire pit surrounding by lounge seating to create a comfortable outdoor living room family and guests can enjoy day or night.

Or perhaps you want to dazzle guests with your culinary skills at a complete outdoor kitchen – including fun extras like a smoker, wine cooler or brick pizza oven.

Plan the exact features you want before choosing the style, and you can make your dreams come true.

Eye-catching extension

Whatever plans you have for hardscapes, furnishings, appliances and more, consider the overall ambiance you want to create. Consider not only the natural environment, but what style best complements your home’s aesthetic.

Want a more aged, rustic appearance to suit your traditional style home? The antique, tumbled look of features from the Heritage Collection combined with elements from the Natural Collection

may suit that style. Or if you want a sleeker, more contemporary look, consider opting for streamlined, modular outdoor furnishings, surrounded by pavers or walls using the smooth finishes found in the Metropolitan Collection.

Focus on family fun

Maybe your dream is to add outdoor recreation areas for you and your family.

Consider making space for giant stacking blocks, life-size checkers or chess, cornhole or ring toss. How about a mini hedge maze or paver labyrinth?

Then use the existing feel of your home’s exterior as the basis for your stylistic direction. You could go for a traditional, old-world aesthetic by combining the soft edges and accent pieces from the Legacy Collection with the oldworld charm of the Heritage Collection.

Or you could pair aspects of the Legacy Collection with features from the more modern-looking Metropolitan Collection to add warmth to your contemporary space.

Visit Belgard.com/summer for more design ideas and inspiration.

(BPT)

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