Be Considerate and Obey the Boating Rules

Some of the most fun I’ve ever had in the Florida sun was going boating. Getting out on the water and venturing out to where the people onshore all look like tiny toys is exciting. There’s not any other feeling that even comes close but there is one thing that can ruin it all and that would be inconsiderate boaters.

When you’re out on the water, it’s not a competition to see who has the biggest or the fastest boat, it’s suppose to be a fun way to enjoy your free time and soak up the rays. Unless you experience it for yourself, you wouldn’t believe the number of people who act like their main goal in life is to make someone else miserable.

It’s not uncommon for a boater to look for others in a smaller vessel just so they can cut them off and do everything they can to make their boating venture uncomfortable. If you’re anchored in a nice quite spot trying your hand at fishing or sunbathing, don’t be surprised if Mr. Speedy comes flying by stirring things up and ruining any chance you may have had to reel in a catch.

Now, I don’t expect these people to stop for the smaller vessels or creep by you when you’re relaxing in the sun but do they really have to get so close. Seriously, I have seen people go out of their way to get as close as they could to someone anchored as close to the shore as they could get so they would be out of the way.

There have been times when I would see another boat approaching with plenty of distance between us and them and by the time they got close, they would literally make it a point to get as close to our boat and go as fast as they could when passing. This is especially true when they have the bigger boat.

This is the type of action that ruins what could be a wonderful day of fun in the sun scooting across the water. The next time you go boating on the waters in Florida, take along some consideration for your fellow boaters. Remember, getting out on the water is not a contest to see who’s boat is the biggest or who’s will run the fastest, it’s suppose to be a time to spend having fun and relaxing with family or friends.