Summer has arrived! Isn’t
it a glorious place, our Delta?
Driftwood is a darn glorious place too! It’s the perfect place to keep your boat for
trips either upstream or down river, or to just hang out for a while. I encourage you to stop by the office for
complimentary coffee, water or a soda…and a visit with me (complimentary as
well!).
Speaking of hanging out, the next social for our berthers
will be Sunday, July 31. It is our much
anticipated wine tasting event! Check
out our Facebook Page and the flyer included with your monthly statement for
the latest information.
This month, I want to talk a little about boating
safety. California state law requires
all children under 13 years old to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
while on board a vessel that is 26 ft or less while underway. Also, anyone
being towed behind a vessel (such as skiing) and anyone riding a personal
watercraft must wear a life jacket. It
is the law! Here at Driftwood, we
request all children wear a life jacket any time they walk down a ramp, are on
the docks or in and around the boats.
This includes vessels larger than 26 ft.
The speed limit exiting the harbor is No Wake until you have cleared the harbormaster house. Returning to the marina, the No Wake begins 100 yards (the length of a
football field) before the entrance to the harbor, to prevent wake damage
and help limit erosion to the banks.
Should you encounter an on the water emergency, it’s
important to know what to do. # 1 Stay calm. #2 make sure everyone onboard
has on a life jacket. #3 Know the
name of your boat, registration number, your location, how many people are on
board, the type of emergency and if anyone requires medical help. #4 if you have a ship to shore radio,
tune to channel 16 (the US Coast Guard) and clearly say “MAYDAY” for life
threatening emergencies or SECURITE (pronounced-secure-i-tay) for safety
emergencies that are non-life threating. Our nearest Coast Guard Station is the
USCG Station Rio Vista (707) 374-2871.
Their emergency number is (707) 374-2655. An example of an emergency
call would be:
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY,MAYDAY” This is “Delta Floater, Delta
Floater, Delta Floater” CF1234AZ. We are
in Mayberry Slough on the San Joaquin River.
Struck a submerged object. Need pumps,
tow and medical assistance. 2 Adults and 2 children on board. 1 adult has fractured leg. Estimate can stay afloat 2 hours. Delta
Floater is a 32’ Cabin Cruiser, white hull with brown stripe, beige canvas. While I hope no one needs to use this protocol, please
review it and keep it handy.
Get out there and enjoy your boat…use it…love it! See you on July 31st, if not before.
Happy Boating,
Mike, Harbormaster
