Be prepared and call friends, family for help

Re:  Grant sought to buy patrol vessels, Jan. 27

I have lived on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille for 35 years. My boating experience has been commuting daily to and from Sandpoint 12 months of the year with motor and sail boats, kayaks and canoes. I have seen it all.

My heart bleeds when I go out to “rescue” crafts with no gas, tow lines, paddlers, bail buckets, life jackets, warm clothes, flags and no money — be prepared.

Our mariner boats ply the waters with two deputies from 9:30-4:30 workdays with not another boat in site. I oppose more enforcement officers watching my every move with their ‘spy scopes’ from taxpayers’ overpowering flotillas.

With today’s quality cell phone reception, boaters in distress should call friends and family for assistance before calling the big guns. Boating on the ‘big lake’ can be a challenge; it requires a responsible back up plan. Expect long days in receiving help, if at all.

ROYAL SHIELDS

Sagle