Soak It Up!!!

Hello again!!!

       So as i established previously, i am involved in some ambitious eco stuff. One being a campaign for clean recreational boating called "Soak It Up!!" that my friend asked me to be a part of.

What I have realized working on this campaign is that there is a need for some more responsibility when it comes to pollution and safety in the recreational boating world. After many months of researching articles, surveys, data, laws and talking to some cool marina operators, boaters and environmental activists... One of the things I realized, is that the best way to address most problems that exist most efficiently, is through prevention. How? Well for one, how about some education? In CA there is no licensing process for recreational boaters. There is, however, a registration process but this means that you can buy a boat, register online (just basic personal and boat info asked) and go out there and boat! You aren't legally required to know any information about how to maneuver the waters safely or what to do in case of an oil/pollution accident before going out there but you will get in trouble for breaking the law which penalizes anyone who pollutes and/or endangers the life of another.

Here is a link with some info on recreational boating accidents: http://www.888-go-longy.com/recreational_boat_accidents.php

Most accidents and deaths occur due to drunk and ignorant boating. Also, wear your life jackets folks!

I personally feel that if we need to know some stuff before we go and drive on the street then why not the waterways? Especially in CA! Fact: You can't drown on gravel but you can in water. Source: Me (I'm the most smartest).

Anyway, there are 45 states in the US that have some kind of certification or license requirement in order for a rec boater to operate a vessel. CA is one of the 5 that don't... http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/ABC_WebSite/state_boating_law.htm

AND CA is the only state that is not landlocked out of those 5!! Making this kind of a no brainer.

I hear that it is not a matter of IF but WHEN and that there is something underway, but it seems to be far from happening any time in the immediate future due to lack of priority or money up there (as in government, not heaven). 
Mini History: A bill regarding rec boater licensing was rejected about 4 years ago and a lot of boat manufacturers were against it because they claimed it would threaten their business (ugh), although i was told that there is info out there from other states that disproves their accusations since the states implementing this law did not affect the manufacturers' business in any significant way.

In addition to the silliness, i read recently that a bill passed in 2011 that would regulate babysitting (AB 889) so who knows what the real reason is seeing as death seems like more of an issue than no babysitting break after 2 hours, unless you babysit some Beverly Hills kids, then maaaaaybe i can understand.

I'm from Cabo and down there anybody who is going to drive a boat has to pass a test, carry the equivalent of a license at all times and pass a health examination as well as notify the coast guard of their plans, even if it is just to take a little ride in their boat. Mind you Cabo has its fair share of shit but at least this stuff is well done and example worthy... and so are the tacos. 
I was born in CA though and have been living here for the past few years, so as an official new California girl, I care about the waterways, some of the boaters out there who i am now friends with, as well as the state in which my second home country and city is finding itself in, so i would like to help this situation.

I might not accomplish diddly squat, but so far it has been an educationally rewarding experience which has led to many new friendships, trash pickups and this blog... So Wish me luck and write to me if you might have any information or opinions if this interests you. Please try to be nice. I WILL appreciate it. :)

Here is a final link to the California boating course that i wanted to share with those who might be interested in it... http://www.boat-ed.com/california/index.html?token=2f46eb8dcfe8b1c4ed923586305b271e

xo!