Last week's manslaughter conviction of a Lake Norman boater in the 2007 death of another boater underscores the dire need for more on-the-water education.
The death, however, is far from being the first tragic incident involving alcohol on the lake. And, as many boaters would agree, there have been countless other near-misses.
Not all lake accidents and close calls are alcohol related. Some are merely the result of inattention, stupidity and lack of boater knowledge. The Lake Norman Marine Commission, Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron, U.S. Coast Guard Auxilliary and other groups regularly seek to address those problems through their annual offerings of boater safety courses.
Unfortunately, such courses are not required for adults to operate water crafts in North Carolina. Anyone over age 16 can hop in a boat and roar off. Toss in a cooler of beer and the scenario can turn deadly.
The agencies listed above are doing all they can to prevent boater negligence on Lake Norman. But it will take a legitimate measure of caring on the part of boaters themselves if we're to keep another senseless lake death from happening.
If you're a boater and haven't already done so, we urge you to sign up for a boating safety course as the 2008 season fast approaches. A listing of upcoming, one-day classes can be found at www.mooresvilletribune.com.
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