Be careful on the water
Summer is the time when most boating accidents occur
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PHIL REYNOLDS SOUTH JETTY REPORTER

Keep it slow 'No wake' zones aren't unique to Port Aransas -- every harbor has them. They keep wakes from bouncing other boats against piers and bulkheads, and make life easier for other boaters who are trying to get their equipment ready or perhaps unloading at the end of the day. Ignoring a 'no wake' zone can result in a hefty fine.

We've all been their victims, or at least seen them. They leave us rocking after they roar past in a "no wake" zone. They charge down the channel with a child sitting on the bow - probably without a life jacket. They leave us simmering at the ramp while they get everything "just so" before clearing the area for launching. They act as though the waterways were their own world.

Some of their practices are merely annoying. Others are dangerous, and a healthy percentage are probably against the law. And as the summer goes on, it seems to get worse.

The boating safety experts at Coast Guard Station Port Aransas see it all, day in and day out. Their boarding officers, who are authorized to stop vessels (yes, even tankers) if they're doing something illegal, have this list of things they see most often on local waterways:

Good practice Youngsters under 13 years old must wear a life jacket whenever the vessel is under way. Patrick Rubsamen, of San Antonio, above, is about to take his off after a day on the water. Above right, some boaters have little patience with those who can't get their boats in the water and clear the ramp quickly. Right, on a summer weekend, it can seem possible to walk across the water on boat decks (however, in this case, a telephoto lens makes the boats look closer than they actually are). Below, Coast Guardsmen from Station Port Aransas escort ships in and out of the channel, including the casino ship Texas Treasure. (Yes, that's a machine gun on the Coast Guard 25-foot Homeland Security boat. The Coast Guard is serious about this.)

• Boaters need to do research before getting underway to know when sunset is and turn on their navigation lights at the appropriate time. Also do a check of the lights before leaving the house or dock.

• Make sure you have the proper life jackets on board and they are in good condition. They should have a Coast Guard approval number printed on the inside. Federal requirement: Children under 13 must wear Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) on all recreational vessels while the vessel is underway unless the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

• Remember, the law says recreational vessels 16 feet and larger must have a type IV throwable PFD "immediately avail- able." This means if a person happens to fall off of a boat, the operator or a passenger can have it at hand to throw to the person in the water. While many boaters keep PFDs on their boats, they aren't immediately available.

• It is also always a good idea to give a float plan to someone that can call the Coast Guard if you do not return from your voyage. This would be something simple to let someone know where you are going, how long you intend to be on your voyage, what boat ramp you are launching from, your license plate number, make and model of vehicle that will be left at the boat ramp and contact information.

• Make sure your cell phone is charged before getting underway so you can call someone if necessary.

State law also requires you to have the certificate of registration aboard the vessel as well as a whistle or horn, proper lighting and a fire extinguisher.

Not part of the law, but always on a list of recommended good boating practices:

• Stay clear of other boats, docks and swimmers.

• Know your boat's capacity and don't overload it.

• Respect the weather. Know the forecast and understand what weather can do to your boat (if Gulf swells are, say, seven feet, it may not be a good time to go fishing with your three buddies in your 16-foot boat).

And while boating is associated with having a good time, the law also says operators who have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater are considered intoxicated. A first conviction for boating while intoxicated carries a fine of up to $2,000 and/or jail time up to 180 days. A second conviction can mean a fine of up to $4,000 and/or jail time up to one year. The third time around is a fine of up to $10,000 and/or jail time of 2-10 years.

By operating a vessel on Texas waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement official. Refusal to submit to testing may result in the suspension of your vehicle driver's license for at least 180 days. (That's right - if you refuse to submit to an alcohol test while boating, they can take away your driver's license.)

One crusty Coast Guard chief petty officer recalls the time, some years ago, when a boarding officer brought in a boater who had failed the alcohol test. The chief recognized a well-known attorney.

"Do you know who you have there?" he asked the boarding officer.

"Yes," growled the other Coast Guardsman. "A drunk boater."

The Coast Guard also wants to publicize a law that's become more critical as the Coast Guard's role has expanded into homeland security.

Every naval vessel has a security zone around it. If you are within 500 yards of a naval vessel, you must operate at a minimum speed. For no reason are you supposed to operate within 100 yards of a naval vessel, but the size of some channels in the area forces vessels to pass within that distance. In that case, you must call the naval vessel on channel 16 to get approval and directions before passing it within 100 yards.

Good advice In Port Aransas, as in many places, water depth can vary from launch ramp to launch ramp. Here, they're labeled for 'deep' and 'shallow' water. Not all ramps have laughing gulls guarding them, however.

Violations of the Naval Protection Zone are a felony offense, punishable by up to six years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000.

And that's even worse than losing your driver's license for 180 days.

Clear the way STAFF PHOTO BY DAN PARKER It's always good practice to clear launch ramps as quickly as you can, giving other boaters a chance to get their boats in the water to enjoy the experience.