Boat operators must use running lights at night

Opinion

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

Opinion

EDITORIAL: Seizure of AP phone records insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.

May 18, 2013
EDITORIAL: Community forum a chance to weigh in on litter issue
Ever passed by unsightly litter along the roadways and thought, someone should do something about it?

May 15, 2013
Joint meeting should not be isolated event
City and county government officials will break bread later today during a joint meeting held downtown in the Allen's Market building.

April 10, 2013
William Clayton obit, March 22, 2013
Mr. William "Buck" Clayton, 74, of Sparta, Ga., passed away March 20, 2013, at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon.

March 22, 2013
Informed, engaged public vital to process
The Baldwin County Commission conducted its second work session Thursday evening, a move the board made in an effort to stay abreast of operations and meeting agenda items and to further the level of transparency in county government.

March 4, 2013
EDITORIAL: Residents should brush up on new ad valorem tax changes
A new law takes effect in Georgia next week that may impact how some locals and residents statewide pay ad valorem taxes.

February 25, 2013
County work sessions would be a nod toward dialogue, transparency
Baldwin County Commissioners are exploring the idea of holding work sessions regularly, in similar fashion as the local school board and city council.

January 23, 2013
Literacy fair presents opportunity
Later this month the local community will play host to its first-ever literacy fair, highlighting literacy initiatives and family development opportunities in a consolidated event.

January 15, 2013
Marker dedication keeps Boddie High legacy alive
Carrying with them found memories of their high school days, alumni of J.F. Boddie High recently gathered with community leaders to pay homage to their alma mater.

January 6, 2013
Community must support domestic violence resources
Milledgeville was rocked on Christmas Eve morning of reports of a shooting that claimed two lives.

December 30, 2012
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Discussion

Boat operators must use running lights at night

Site Map

Contact Us