THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180008
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Regarding ``Man swims a bay, saves family'' (news, Nov. 8): Maybe it's because I'm from the Eastern Shore that I think this situation had more to do with luck than heroism.
I think The Virginian-Pilot could have provided a useful public service but instead chose a flashy headline and a color picture of a happy family.
Every year, experienced boaters and people who make their living on the water die in accidents on the Eastern Shore seaside. Most had taken precautions against such situations - having at the very least a radio, flares, matches, rain gear and a reliable boat.
Perhaps the following information would be useful:
Rubber boats deflate when dragged across sharp oyster rocks.
November is not the best time for pleasure boating on the Eastern Shore seaside, especially with small children. The weather can change quickly and violently, even in the summer.
The Coast Guard requires certain safety equipment on pleasure boats, such as flares and running lights - precautions against situations such as mentioned in your article.
I do not argue that this man did a great thing when his family was in danger, but the incident could have and should have been prevented.
ELIZABETH PRUITT
Cape Charles, Nov. 8, 1994 by CNB