01-02-2025 REELLIFE DIGITAL - Flipbook - Page 27
safety
When I saw that I pulled
the coveted “Writers
Choice” slot for my
assignment this month, I
was busy trying to keep
a small boat right-side
up during our recent
“Bomb Cyclone “(Yes, I was
messing with my phone).
I got to thinking, that if I
survive the next couple of
hours, a piece on heavy
weather boating may be in
order.
First, if the weather is
questionable, don’t go. No
fish is worth losing your
boat or even your life for.
Before any recreational
boating trip, check the
weather forecast and plan
accordingly. Even if that
means stopping at Skagit
Seafoods to buy your next
meal's main course. In the
long run, it would be much
cheaper than trying to run
into conditions beyond the
capability of your boat.
In my case, it’s my job, and
my options are limited. I’m
retired from a 38-year suit
and tie gig but I couldn’t
do retired life. Now I run a
mailboat in the San Juan
Islands, and unless I can’t
get the boat out of the slip,
the mail must go through.
In addition to first-class
mail, I also deliver freight,
packages, time-sensitive
prescriptions, perishable
items, and other necessities
for landlocked islanders.
I recognize that sometimes
the weather just happens,
going from a bit of a chop
to holy crap in minutes.
Here are a few thoughts on
preparations and handling
emergency situations on
the water.
As mentioned earlier, check
the weather forecast or
maybe try an app such as
Windy to make sure the
conditions will be safe for
your planned adventure.
Remember, if you’re
questioning your ability to
get to your fishing spot and
back, the fishing will be
uncomfortable at best.
Make sure you have the
correct size PFDs (personal
flotation device) for each
passenger onboard. It
is also a good idea to
conduct a VHF radio check
and carry a fully charged
cellphone.
