Boat operators must use running lights at night

Letters

Discussion

August 25, 2012

Boat operators must use running lights at night

Anonymous The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Sat Aug 25, 2012, 08:00 AM EDT

MILLEDGEVILLE — I am a long-time resident of Milledgeville and I reside on Lake Sinclair. I am an avid fisherman and boater. I am on the lake four to five times a week in the spring and summer months and two to three times a week in the fall and winter.

I often fish at night, and in recent years I have noticed a disturbingly dangerous trend that seems to be occurring more and more. Myself and a long-time fishing buddy have become so frustrated with this occurrence that we have approached Georgia DNR personnel, and still nothing has been done. I cannot recall a time on the lake at night that I did not see a boat operating with no running lights on it.

Careless boaters, operating a boat at night with no running lights is the most prevalent water hazard currently on Lake Sinclair. Anyone who has been on the lake at night can attest to the fact that, even with proper lighting, it takes a watchful eye to identify oncoming boats because of the number of lights on the banks of the lake.

Operating a boat at night with no running lights or improper lighting is not only illegal and dangerous: In my opinion, it is wanton endangerment of every boat operator on the lake and should be enforced as such. It has become such a common occurrence that one local night tournament actually stopped having its events.

After my most recent “close call,” my friend and I decided that writing to you may raise awareness and prevent the next boating death on Lake Sinclair. It is a matter of self-preservation. As much as I and my friend are on the lake, we don’t want to be the next statistic. We have seen first-hand, the outcome of boaters operating watercraft on the lake with no running lights. We were the last people to see a pair of fisherman a few years ago that, shortly after they went out of our sight, they were struck and killed by another boat near Island Creek because they had no running lights.

I have had several “close calls” in the past where I almost ran into a boat at night because it was under power on the lake with no running lights on the boat or improper lighting on the boat. Several times I have run across a boat’s wake, and that was the only thing that alerted me to it being close because they had no lights on their boat. I love to fish, but I would prefer not to die while doing it.

Please bring attention to this disturbing occurrence before someone else is killed.

Paul M. Mills

Milledgeville

Text Only

Letters

GC students hope to reform education in low-performing communities
Georgia College senior Audrey Smith’s belief in the ‘American dream’ has inspired her to help young citizens realize that dream through the power of education.

March 13, 2013 1 Photo
Tea Party Patriots urge end to fear-mongering over cuts

The Milledgeville Area Patriots chapter of Tea Party Patriots, the nation’s largest tea party organization, are calling on our Congressman and Senator’s to uphold the sequestration law passed by Congress and signed by the President.

February 27, 2013
Position Statement on Amendment 2
Amendment 2, which will be voted on in the upcoming election, is an important issue that has received very little attention.

November 3, 2012
ORMC attempts to put ‘Bed Tax’ rumors to rest
Recently, information has been circulated in the community claiming that Rep. Rusty Kidd voted to tax people when they are sick or injured and need to visit the hospital.

October 31, 2012
Shocked at statements made by Paul Broun
I was astounded when I read your article about our Congressman Paul Broun (a Republican) in the Oct. 18 edition of The Union-Recorder.

October 27, 2012
Help defeat charter school amendment
We soundly defeated the T-Splost in Baldwin County.

October 20, 2012
Thank you to superintendent, Board of Education
Thank you to School Superintendent Geneva Brezial and the Board of Education.

October 6, 2012
Fire trucks too important not to replace
At last week’s Baldwin County Commission meeting, county Fire Chief Troy Reynolds presented a detailed report to the commissioners about major fire equipment operated by Baldwin County.

September 29, 2012
Thanks for giving support in Digital Bridges service
Digital Bridges is a phenomenal service provided by very technically awesome people to everyone in Milledgeville.

September 26, 2012
Thank you for donations to annual Kids Day
We would like to give a thank you to the following local business for the donations for the Community Kids Day in remembrance of the victims during the 9/11 tragedy, keeping their spirit alive

September 22, 2012
More Letters Headlines

Letters

Search Results

Discussion

Boat operators must use running lights at night

Site Map

Contact Us