A Matter of Life and Death - by Clay Gill

The thick black smoke rose from the horizon and we wondered what it meant. It was the lazy days of summer and we were on the end of the South Jetties at Port Aransas waiting for Tarpon to roll by in the blue water. In the sixties, the Tarpon would come by in pods on the migration down the beach, and we would cast to them. Everyone knew there was little chance to land these hundred pound bruisers. Ten jumps and your tackle was trashed. If your drag was too tight, you might go swimming.

That fire meant people in the water, and a boat was on fire. We had been wondering if something would top the twin waterspouts that missed the lighthouse west of Lydia Anne Channel recently. This fire would be big news in Port A, as we called it. We strained to watch the drama unfold out in the gulf.

Seeing the Coast Guard scream by, we all knew that it was bad, and I remember hoping the occupants of that boat had life jackets on before a hasty departure from the vessel. We were familiar with the Bull Sharks that called that water home. We cut out their jaws down at Big Shell, to sell to the shell shops for extra cash. Conservation had not caught on yet, and the money was good. Those sharks could pop a Coke bottle rattled in their teeth. Those poor people were out swimming in the shark’s front yard, there on the horizon, if they could swim. You just wanted to go help, and hoped for the best. It’s a bad feeling.

A boat had burned down to the waterline and it was not a tragedy fortunately. But what helped was the right safety equipment, used properly. It is a must on every boat! Recent deaths in Texas proved this again. Will we ever learn how valuable all safety equipment can be, when available and utilized.

I spoke recently to Tami Crawford of TPWD Boater Education. She outlined some lifesaving information for everyone who ventures out in a boat or any watercraft. The following ideas might save someone you love, or your own life.

Regarding the personal floatation device, buy an upgraded model, which will give more floatation. The level three can give you 30 pounds of lift versus the 15 from a level one. This might just help you save another who clings to you, without his vest on. Buy quality, and don't skimp on price. You really get your moneys worth in this department. Be sure of proper fit and size.

The label ink fades at the same rate as the expected life of the floatation material. Trash an unreadable label. This vest is not legal, and you can get a ticket for no vest.

Check into the suspender type inflatable in a type III. You can comfortably wear this one all day, and pop it open instantly if needed. On big water days, this would be a great thing for the boat Captain to wear all day. Guides are required to have these. No child less than 16 years can wear this one.

File a float plan with someone reliable, and a must-report contact time for someone to make an outcry of possible distress of your party, when the report does not come. This saves lives each year!

Be aware of State and Federal requirements, and know that all Federal laws supercede the State, even on public lakes in Texas. A visual distress signal- (flare pistol), and whistle on all PFD’s, is a must when you boat. The new xenon strobes, firefly lights, dye capsules, a handheld GPS, and a space blanket can be a lifesaver after a cold front capsizes your boat.

Another lifesaver is the VHF marine radio with weather alert, and your trusty old cell phone in a zip lock bag. I have a neighbor who actually saved his family from doom by calling the Coast Guard on his cell phone when the VHF failed in a flooded boat in open seas. A serious cold front had struck them offshore.

If you are not familiar with the latest technology, go to a good place like West Marine, and learn how you can protect your family for a reasonable price. Why would we put multiple airbags in our cars, and then take out the same family in the boat with cheap safety equipment. You can’t put a price on safety!

As a rule, always remember, failing to plan, is planning to fail. Don’t be the guy in the headlines. And as always, leave the places we visit better than we find them.