CYOB Inbox: Launch ramps and high water

June 13th

June 13, 2019

John,

1) Boat Launch ramps (CYOB May 23); it is not the first time that there has been some serious errors have been committed on a boat launch ramp. A google image search will prove that. Some are grimacing funny however the fact remains, they are all potentially serious is more to the point.

Where is the education? I have parked at a boat launch for a coffee break to watch the silliness. Transmission in Park (automatic only), hand brake (ebrake to others) block wheels? (perhaps depending on the situation), and turn off the engine. Sounds a little laborious but then that’s why we have people jumping steps in a procedure. And stay calm while performing tasks. One friend is adamant, that he is not distracted till he has finished his procedures. Save the conversation till later.

2) Trent Seven Waterway season delayed; I was there in late September at the Peterborough Lift Lock and now I am concerned as to how they will be fairing with the high water?

I was employed in engineering and I am always curious about nuts and bolts mechanical solutions. That lift lock is a Canadian wonder and should be on everyone’s bucket list of travel stops. Did you know that the lock uses an air compressor with no moving parts? Given that perhaps there was not electrical power in the region at the time, take the time to ponder that one!

Ion Barnes
Shawnigan Lake BC

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