Boating Tips and Tales

March 2007: The Real Snowbirds

Written by Ed Stone - Commodore, MiraBay Mariners Club

It’s that time of the year again. The temperature is down and the lowering water temperature heralds back the stars of South Shore’s greatest tourist attraction. Our beloved Manatees. Their stage, Big Bend TECO plant viewing station, is bustling with excited lovers of these gentle giants. There are about 300 of these slow moving mammals living in or around Tampa Bay during the winter. Every season they flock to the warm water outfall from the plant. On any given day, from late fall to late spring, especially the weekends, the parking lots are full and the viewing station and nature walk are packed to the rails. The happy squeals of little children are combined with the oohs and aahs of young and old alike as one of these great mammals rolls or breaches for air and are constantly playing with their young. Newcomer or seasoned visitor, it’s a real thrill every time we visit. The show changes everyday as our stars move around to different spots seemingly looking for a new audience to show off for. And don’t forget the great supporting cast to our stars. Large Snook, Rays, Tarpon and various other Tampa Bay resident fish also abide in the warm water seeking refuge from the cold, making avid fishermen moan with envy as they watch these great sport species glide by.

However, this happiness can only be dimmed by the thought that so many of our adored friends are killed or seriously injured every year by careless boaters and this fact is brought home by the numerous photographs on display around the viewing area.

Boat speed and reckless, careless driving are definitely the major culprits. Areas around Tampa Bay are well marked as Manatee Zones. However all too often, they are not taken seriously or just not heeded. A careful eye must be kept for these slow moving creatures. Not only do we endanger the lives of the Manatees but jeopardize the boat and its occupants. A new and special speed limit needs to be put into effect. We all know about Slow Speed, No Wake Speed and Idle Speed. There should be another added to that list that should take precedence over all these during this season. It should be called “Manatee Speed” and be posted in all Manatee Watch areas. It should read: “A speed at which the vessel may travel no faster than the fastest swimming Manatee”. The Manatee areas are well marked. There are numerous signs everywhere reminding us that this is Manatee season and regulating our speed during this period. The signs are there for a purpose. To slow us down and for us to keep a watchful eye for our big “buds.” We all need to be more cognizant of these signs and pay more attention to where we are going. In some areas, “normal safe speed zones” become Manatee Zones. To some, these slow speeds become a real nuisance. Well, take heart, oh ye lovers of speed, summer is just around the corner. Until then, “The Manatee Rules” so keep it slow.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to visit the TECO viewing area, it’s absolutely the greatest show in town and best of all, it’s free. A wonderful place to not only see these gentle giants but all the numerous fish species that congregate in the warm water out-flow to escape the cold. A great place for young and old to not only learn more about the Manatee, but to learn more about Tampa Bay marine life and the natural habitat here in the Bay Region.

Remember, these lovely creatures are our real “snow birds” and we definitely want to see them all back year after year.

To learn more about our large aquatic friends, and more information on the Big Bend TECO Plant viewing area, please visit the following websites:

http://www.savethemanatee.org

http://www.tampaelectric.com/manatee/

http://www.manateeworld.net/

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February 2007: Remember the Minnow!

"Wow!  It’s especially dark tonight but at least the sea is calm, the wind is light and the sky is clear and full of stars.  A glorious night for a boat ride.  If only the engine would just fire up, we could maybe enjoy it a little more.  I know I checked everything, just can’t remember when.  I wonder how far are we from the shore?  For that matter, can anyone see a channel marker?  Now, where did I put the flares?  Uh Oh!  Just a fizzle!  Man, I could swear they were up to date.  What else could go wrong?  Oh well we can just call the Coast Guard.  Nope.  Nothing but static.  The radio is also not working.  I’ll just throw the anchor out and wait until someone comes by.  Of course, with the battery dead there is no anchor light so I hope they see us before they 'feel us.' 

"A little far fetched?   Not really.  An all too familiar story I’m afraid.  This story may seem far fetched but in the annuls of pleasure boating, there are volumes full of  similar stories.  Some stories, such as this, almost border on being humorous if not somewhat  ridiculous. However all too often these stories become  tragic in nature.  There is more than often a common thread in all the stories no matter what the outcome.  Lack of preparedness.  It’s real easy to jump into our boat and go for a short ride, whether just a pleasure ride or a fishing trip.

"Preparedness is all important especially when boating.  It is the key.  We all pass our boating inspection and have the correct gear as outlined by the Coast Guard.  Well, at least the minimum.  However all too often, after the initial inspection, things start to deteriorate.  These inspections cover only the basic safety equipment and devices, lights etc.  As the captain of our vessel, no matter how large or how small, power or sail, it is our responsibility and our responsibility alone, to make certain we maintain the real working parts of our craft that are not 'specified' in the inspection process.  Is the engine in good shape?  Do we have enough fuel for our planned trip and a little to spare?  How strong is the battery?   Does the engine have enough oil?  Are the sails in good shape?  Most important, did we file a float plan?  Silly questions?  Not if you are stranded in the middle of nowhere and no way to get anywhere fast. 

"Often, a little simple common sense can prevent becoming a victim of our own foolishness.  Before casting off, make sure everything on our vessel is “ship-shape.”  It only takes a minute or so longer to check and make sure all our safety equipment is in good working order and our vessel is mechanically sound.  This is nothing new.  We learn it in our safe boating classes and stories are often published in safety manuals and sporting magazines.  The real problem is:   once done, twice forgotten.  We very often see similar stories as this in the newspapers and on television.  Most of the time the story endings are happy but all too often they end in tragedy.  And, of course, 'it can’t happen to me.'

"Enjoy your days, and nights, on the water and return safely to enjoy it again and again.

"Remember the Minnow."

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