Konza Sailor, April 2004, page 3

A look around the BVYC grounds would reveal several activities that are safety concerns. Raising a mast by manpower or by use of the mast lift is one; raising a boat in the boat lift is another. Launching and retrieving boats by auto or tractor have elements of danger, and harbor maintenance as well as overall grounds maintenance often requires the use of hazardous equipment. The directors and general membership seem to be aware of the dangers associated with these activities, and that awareness has prevented major injuries although there have been some accidents and near misses.

We have not been so fortunate in pursuit of our major club activity out on the lake because water safety often is taken for granted, given lip service or simply relies on common knowledge (often ignorance) of the participants. In the shadow of last November's drowning it goes without saying that we can do more to educate our members in water safety, so, the BOD is now in the process of developing a Water Safety Education Program.

The four sailors who drowned during the past three years were not wearing PFD's (life jackets) nor were there sufficient life jackets aboard the vessels that capsized. The state and federal rules require

that a vessel have a PFD for each person aboard, but does not require that everyone wear them. It is unlikely that a BVYC Safety Policy will augment those state rules. We do not envision members being assigned police duty to ensure that rules are followed; rather, we hope that safety education will provide an awareness of good seamanship and water safety practices and that members will feel comfortable promoting safety around the club area. The club is exploring specific ideas that include:

Assistance from the CG Auxiliary or Power Squadron

Safety Testing

Purchase of a more reliable rescue launch/ race committee boat

A slogan similar to "Buckle UP"

We are asking for input from the membership before a policy is completed. Please send your thoughts and ideas to any board member. Also, if you hear of a good deal on a boat that would serve our purposes, let us know.

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with us. For the new members, Ralph was a very active member of the club for a number of years. You still see evidence of Ralph's time in the club every time you enter the tool shed, use the mast stepping lift and see that maroon colored Flying Scott out on the lake. Ralph and Elaine- thanks for coming to the banquet.

One of highlights of the Fall Banquet is the presentation of the race awards. The racing season had been greatly reduced this year due to the uncooperative spirit of weather and equipment. Nonetheless, several races had been held and awards were presented.

We were pleased that Nancy Chapman could be with us again to present the Chapman, Shipley and Bennett

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