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As we conclude
the poker run season, performance boat event organizers
are taking time to pause and reflect on the "state
of the union" as it applies to our industry.
As we know, there have been some serious incidents during
the summer of 2006 - but these have served to emphasize
the need for all boaters to recognize the fact that
there will always be some risk involved in performance
boating, just as there is always a risk of accidents
when we drive our cars on the highways. The future of
our sport and the well-being of our poker run participants
depend on the absolute necessity of organizers establishing
safety guidelines, and enforcing the rules without exception.
The APRA (American Poker Run Association), a sanctioning
body, and the NJPPC (New Jersey Performance Powerboat
Club) have both established comprehensive safety and
operational guidelines to assist other poker run organizers
with their events. The APRA organized a Safety Summit
at last year's Miami Boat Show inviting manufacturers,
dealers, and poker run organizers to assist in raising
poker run safety to the next level.
Despite the best intentions of the boat manufacturers,
event organizers, and the safety staff who volunteer
their efforts at virtually every poker run, it is up
to the individual participants to ensure the ultimate
safety of poker runs.
There are three very important rules of safety in the
realm of performance boating: maintain a safe operating
distance from other boats, and wear Coast Guard approved
PFD's; drive at speeds that are appropriate for the
water conditions; and never allow alcohol to be consumed
on or around the boats, or at the lunch stop during
the poker run event.
As you plan your family's poker run schedule for 2007,
keep the safety factor in mind. Ask your event organizer
for a copy of the rules and regulations that govern
the event. If there are no guidelines available ask
them why not, and then ask yourself if you should consider
a safer event for that weekend excursion.
Safety is a shared responsibility - the builders design
their boats to provide the best handling possible at
the performance levels demanded by their customers;
the local authorities designate speed zones that reflect
the potential hazards within each area; and the poker
run event organizers chart a course that will provide
interest and exhilaration without exposing the boaters
to unnecessary risk. The balance of the safety responsibility
lies in your hands... only you control the throttles,
the steering, and the distance you keep from the boats
around you.
In the long run, the future of performance boating,
and organized poker run events, rests on the shoulders
of every driver behind the wheel of an offshore boat.
This is a sport that has enjoyed phenomenal growth over
the past twenty years - we must all work together to
keep our favorite motorsport strong, healthy, and safe.
William E. Taylor, Publisher
(Feature Article: Poker
Runs Are Here To Stay)
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