Letters: Boating safety courses are overdue
Lisa Gaines, mother of victim Victoria, embraces county executive Steve Bellone, after he signed off the County Safer Waterways Act, as she looks at picture of her daughter's picture. Gina Lieneck, left, mother of Brianna, who was killed in a 2005 boat crash, also attended. (Oct. 11, 2012) Credit: James Carbone
We wouldn't allow a person who hasn't passed a driver's test to drive a car. Why should someone who has not taken a boating safety class be permitted to operate a powerful boat that has no brakes and steers from the rear?
I have been boating for many years and consider myself a safe boater. I've taken every class from the United States Power Squadrons to improve my competency on the water. I'd like to know that other boaters have, at least, some safety education.
Instead of requiring boaters to take a safety course, why not offer a 10 percent reduction in boat insurance for course completion?
A similar benefit is available to automobile drivers. Don't underestimate the power of the dollar.
