GSL Slip Renters and Marina Users: A new Current Water Watch report has been posted on www.gslmarina.com Since we are now out of run-off season and deep into evaporation season the look of the report has changed somewhat. Race results for the GSLYC have been updated to include the most recent race. Operating on the lake at night. Sometime in the past I believe I communicated that the only thing that scares me at night on this lake is running over someone that does not have navigation lights on. Well, we had an incident this last Wednesday where we became concerned for some people who were still out on the lake well past dark. The wind had built to nearly 20mph. We took the rescue boat out to look for four people on a raft and possibly a paddleboarder and a kayaker. We found four people on a raft, two paddle boarders, and seven kayakers. Luckily we were operating at slow speeds, had our lights blazing with spotlights searching. Otherwise we could have run over any one of these vessels. Not one of these boarders, rafters or kayakers had or displayed lights. And, even though we were intently searching, we could not see any of them until we were nearly on top of them. If we had been operating at any speed greater than 10mph, regardless of how hard we were looking, we would probably not be able to avoid a collision without risking the safety of the people on our own vessel. The law states all motorboats and sailboats must display proper navigation lights after dark. ALL (and I mean ALL) manually propelled vessels "may exhibit the navigation lights requred for sailboats or have ready at hand a flashlight or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be displayed in sufficient time to prevent collision." Remember one important factor about our search Wednesday night; We WERE LOOKING intently for other vessels. Most people at night, although keeping a proper lookout, are NOT LOOKING specifically for a small vessel at waterline in a dark sky. You must be proactive in your own safety on the water at night. And it is the law. On top of that, it is REQUIRED you carry a horn or whistle that can be used as a sound producing device. For those that have been obeying the law, displaying naviagion lights and keeping a proper lookout, please remember that there are those out there that don't. Dave Shearer Harbormaster Great Salt Lake State Marina 801-250-1898
