Deaths on the Coast from drownings and accidents continue to mount this year: five abalone divers in a week and a fisherman swept away by a sneaker wave while his family watched helplessly from the cliffs above. Then there was a man from Georgia, who slipped off the cliff and into the icy 54-degree Mendocino Coast sea while taking photos.
Not to dwell on the negative, but I wanted to draw your attention to National Safe Boating Week, May 19-26. The local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 87 (of which I am a member), is leading the effort. One important safety message being delivered: wear a life vest while on or in the water.
The Auxiliary will also provide vessel safety checks in Noyo Harbor and Lake Mendocino. You can get all the details at this link.
Wearing a life vest while walking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking or tidepooling along the ocean probably could save lives. Perhaps your own.
