To the Editor:
It seems that nearly every weekend we hear of a tragic drowning on one of Maine’s beautiful lakes. The far majority of these tragedies are preventable if we simply follow boating safety laws and practices. Each time there is a drowning, the lives of moms, dads, husbands, wives, grandparents, sons and daughters are changed forever.
The State of Maine’s Boating Safety Course will be offered at Lincoln Academy on Wednesdays, July 20 and 27 from 6-9 p.m. each night (participants must attend both nights). Those interested can register by calling Carole Brinkler at 563-3596, Ext. 102.
This course is open to all ages, and I am particularly hoping that teenagers will attend. If boating safety becomes a way of life at a young age (just like seat belts have become a habit), I believe that loss of life and family suffering can be prevented in the future.
Of particular note: In order to independently operate a Personal Watercraft, such as a jet ski, in Maine, the operator must be age 18 – or age 16 or 17 with a certificate from an approved Boating Safety Course. This course meets that requirement.
I am asking for your help; please encourage your sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbors, summer visitors and others to register and take the course. We will never know the tragedies that we will have averted, but never having to face the pain of a drowning will be worth a million times more than the effort to attend the class and follow the safety laws and guidelines.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Laurie Bouchard, Jefferson
