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Reply to: Wilmette/Gilson Park suspends offering rescue services for members

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[quote=nhanson]There was a park district board meeting in November, the lakefront mgr sent out notices, but for "some reason" only about 25% of sailors I know received them.  Anyway, we tried to get the word out and about 20 sailors attended.  The park district wanted to ability to "close" the beach on what they deemed not safe days.  The debate centered around a sailor/crew making the decision to sail vs the park district making the decision for you.  Also, the lake front manager did not think she could stop the staff from attempting a rescue on "red flag" days.

Glenview has a sail at you own risk policy on what they call "black flag" days (a Glenview staff member attended the meeting).  On these days, staff will not rescue/assist until you are on the sand.  Why could we not have a policy like this... I don't know, but I think much of has to do with liability and training.  The majority of the sailing staff are just kids.

How this will all shake out in practice/application, I don't know.  For sure sailors should keep an eye on one another as we always do.  I have taken part in a number of rescues (including plucking some Finley's off a turtled/busted comp tip boat).  Hopefully when my turn comes and I break a shroud/mast/bridle, someone is around (come on... karma).

The long and short of it is, your first responder in any case should be you.  Use common sense.  Wear appropriate clothing.  Get a righting bag, learn how to right your boat.  Keep your boat in good working order.  Let someone on the beach know you are going out.  And after all that something still happens, carry a VHF and call the coasties.  Remember, the coasties rescue people, not boats.

Another way to think of it, is what if you were on a J-24 out of the harbor?

--norm 
[url]http://wilmettesailing.com[/url]<em>Edited by nhanson on Feb 18, 2012 - 02:11 PM.</em> [/quote]

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