BOATING: Know the rules

I read with interest the front-page story promoting boating safety recently. As a frequent swimmer at Sanders Beach, I almost always see folks driving their motorized vehicles (i.e. boats and jet skis especially) in an unsafe manner, putting the lives of swimmers in danger, even coming into the beach, crowded with little kids.

The ones I’ve stopped to “educate” are unaware there are ANY rules to be heeded. You’d think common sense would prevail, but no. So, if any of your readers are in this group, here are a few pointers.

NO motorized craft within 200 feet of shore. ALL floating equipment requires a personal flotation device, yes even young kids on paddleboards, playing around, especially out beyond the swim buoys, which clearly denotes “Swim Area” and “No Boats.”

Knowledge of the rules applies not only to driving cars, it also applies to driving watercraft. Please educate yourself. We all want to enjoy the water safely.

BARB CRUMPACKER

Coeur d’Alene