2 dead

[PUMP 'HER']

For those that drink and boat, please read this and think about it. Just another tragic accident that may have been avoidable. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Obituaries for the Victims of Havasu Boating Accident
Steven Kent Patchett


Steven Kent Patchett, 48, of Simi Valley passed away June 16, 2004, as the result of a tragic boating accident on Lake Havasu. Steven was a sales manager.

Steven's son, Tyler Patchett, passed away as the result of the same boating accident.

Steven is survived by his parents, Robert and Marjorie Patchett; son, Stephan Patchett; daughter, Kalen Patchett; brother, Robert Patchett; and sisters, Judith John, Susanne Jacobson and Janice Conrad.

Visitation for Steven will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks, Chapel of the Oaks, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. A celebration of Steven's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1, at Sonrise Christian Fellowship, 2350 Shasta Way, Simi Valley. Interment to immediately follow at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park.

Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family, 1-805-495-0837 or 1-818-889-0902.



Tyler Denton Patchett


Tyler Denton Patchett, 10, of Moorpark passed away June 16, 2004, as the result of a tragic boating accident on Lake Havasu.

Tyler was a fourth-grade student at Walnut Canyon Elementary School in Moorpark. He participated in Little League, Boys & Girls Club, and the Awanas Bible Club.

Tyler's father, Steven Patchett, passed away as the result of the same boating accident.

Tyler is survived by his mother, Sheila Patchett; brother, Stephan Patchett; sister, Kalen Patchett; and grandparents, Robert and Marjorie Patchett.

Visitation for Tyler will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks, Chapel of the Oaks, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village. A celebration of Tyler's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 1, at Sonrise Christian Fellowship, 2350 Shasta Way, Simi Valley. Interment to immediately follow at Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park.

Pierce Bros. Valley Oaks Memorial Park, Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family, 1-805-495-0837 or 1-818-889-0902.

The driver of the boat that struck Patchett's told police he had been drinking before the high-speed crash, said Sgt. Phil Odom of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The preliminary investigation indicated alcohol might be a factor in the collision, authorities said.

Havasu news (http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2004/06/23/news/news01.txt)

[Essex502]

From the news I've been reading over the past week or so, the investigation hasn't yet determined what the cause of the accident is yet. The statement that alcohol might be related is due to the fact that the driver of the other boat said he'd had a few drinks prior to the accident. I don't believe the blood test data has been released yet.

[ctm23]

it usually takes a couple of weeks to get the tests back from the lab... I wish they would have printed the name of the Corona resident that was driving the boat..

[Essex502]

Protecting the guilty?

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (PUMP 'HER' @ June 30 2004, 10:10 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The preliminary investigation indicated alcohol might be a factor in the collision, authorities said.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Ya think! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif That is terrible. Yet another reason for me and my family to stay away from Havasu. You can control what you do, but you can't control what others do. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif My neighbor was out there this past weekend (29' Force) and said that he had some guy cut another boat off and almost hit him as well! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif

[THOR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 01 2004, 07:24 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The preliminary investigation indicated alcohol might be a factor in the collision, authorities said.<span id='postcolor'>
Ya think! Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif Â*That is terrible. Â*Yet another reason for me and my family to stay away from Havasu. Â*You can control what you do, but you can't control what others do. Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Â* My neighbor was out there this past weekend (29' Force) and said that he had some guy cut another boat off and almost hit him as well! Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/angry.gif[/quote]

You are absolutely right sheriff. Nobody drinks on Mojave or Mead. Very stereotypic as of late IMO.

Nobody here knows whether this guy had one, two, seven, etc beers so why is he drunk in the eyes of everyone here. I know plenty of folks on this board that I have witnessed drinking and boating.

About the worse one I have seen was on Mead about 4 years ago when a searay cut off a another way up on the Overton arm in a remote location. Therefore, I have taken Kev's lead and am staying away from Mead forever since it is so dangerous.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 07:39 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You are absolutely right sheriff. Nobody drinks on Mojave or Mead. Very stereotypic as of late IMO.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
THOR - As I have stated in other posts....Havasu is a great place during the week. However, most of my boating is done on the weekends when it is very crowded and busy. When I have been on Mohave and Mead (I realize only one time of this lake), I have noticed that these lakes tend to be less crowded and I have found it easier to get away from those that are there. Remember....this is just my opinion. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Havasu Dreamin]

One theory is that one of the boats was "playing" chicken with the other.

[THOR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 01 2004, 08:03 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 07:39 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">You are absolutely right sheriff. Nobody drinks on Mojave or Mead. Very stereotypic as of late IMO.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
THOR - As I have stated in other posts....Havasu is a great place during the week. Â*However, most of my boating is done on the weekends when it is very crowded and busy. Â*When I have been on Mohave and Mead (I realize only one time of this lake), I have noticed that these lakes tend to be less crowded and I have found it easier to get away from those that are there. Â*Remember....this is just my opinion. Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yeh, your opinion is wrong http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

BTW, one of my very good friends that I grew up with was killed in and accident one Mead about 10 years ago. Jet ski was involved too. I harbour many bad feelings toward that to this day.

I agree that the 'ignorance' level is much higher on Havi. People just dont think. Plain and simple. Why in the world would you mirror the actions of a boat that is approaching without either steering the other direction or just plain stopping? It sure sounds like this was the cause of the accident. My neighbor talked to a cop in Havi and he said that the guy was more or less playing chicken. Poor kids.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 08:08 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">My neighbor talked to a cop in Havi and he said that the guy was more or less playing chicken. Poor kids.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
That is just STUPID! If this is true, then they got what they deserved! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/glare.gif I just fell sorry for the kids, especially the one that died. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[THOR]

I am hoping that all the stories I am hearing are false. But, they are all sounding the same. Poor kids that no longer have a brother or a dad. Damn this is depressing.

[Havasu Dreamin]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 01 2004, 08:12 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 08:08 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">My neighbor talked to a cop in Havi and he said that the guy was more or less playing chicken. Poor kids.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
That is just STUPID! Â*If this is true, then they got what they deserved! Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/glare.gif Â*I just fell sorry for the kids, especially the one that died. Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
This what we heard as well. The prevailing theory is that one of the baots was going South on the wrong side of the lake and the other boat was going North on the correct side of the lake. The reports are that the boats movements were mirroring each other. PErhaps someone thahought they would "teach" someone else a lesson and ended up causing more than they ever could have bargained for. Again, this is all just what I have heard and is not based on any facts verified by myself.

[PUMP 'HER']

I love it when I start a fight then walk away!!!

Just want everyone to think about drinking on the water. I would hate to read a story like this about anyone here, for whatever reason and the elimination of alcohol could help prevent that from happening. I like to get my drink on like anyone else and yes I have had a few and driven on the roads but never on the boat. One of the first things alcohol does is take away your ability to judge things, distance, speed, sanity of actions, then it slows your reactions so even if you decide they are too close, we are going way to fast and this playing chicken idea might not be so smart, you might not have time to alter your course. Sorry for the downer thread just hate to see accidents that could have been avoided. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Essex502]

Havasu is only more dangerous because there's more people in a more confined space. We tend to go from the Marina to Steamboat on a Saturday or all over the lake on a Friday. The stupid fools who blast up to the Sandbar on Saturday do all sorts of stupid stuff. PWC's weaving in and out, boats on the wrong side. Boats overtaking others at high speed in narrow confines - not to mention the general intoxication of the young punks out with mommy and daddy's boats or worse yet rental boats. A$$holes who don't care what their wake will do to others...endless list of stupid $hit.

Drinking on the lake is right at the top...I've pretty much given up on having a "cold one" while I'm driving the boat...my reflexes are off just enough to make me uncomfortable. I'll stick to Propel until off the lake and as some of you know...I'll put a few away afterwards!

[dicudmore]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 01 2004, 11:46 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'll stick to Propel until off the lake and as some of you know...I'll put a few away afterwards![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
What the heck are you referring to http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Coke/Pepsi type product?

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 01 2004, 11:46 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Havasu is only more dangerous because there's more people in a more confined space.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Exactly my point. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (dicudmore @ July 01 2004, 12:00 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 01 2004, 11:46 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I'll stick to Propel until off the lake and as some of you know...I'll put a few away afterwards![/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
What the heck are you referring to Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif
Coke/Pepsi type product?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Propel is a Gatorade product...essentially a vitamin fortified fitness water that is available in a variety of flavors.

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 01 2004, 12:02 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 01 2004, 11:46 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Havasu is only more dangerous because there's more people in a more confined space.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Exactly my point. Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
My point, as the balance of the post stated, was to avoid the more popular places a$$holes gather. Sandbar & Copper Canyon come to mind on weekends.

[TooMuchFun]

Too many accidents occuring, due to stupid s*&t, that in the end are going to negatively impact on us all ... legally, economically, emotionally, and etc.

Agreed with others, and stats, that alcohol and other intoxicants are involved in 98% of all accidents. I love to enhance or numb my mind at times, but only in safe places, and only on the lake when I am moored to a beach for the requisite wearoff time.

TooMuchFun

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (TooMuchFun @ July 01 2004, 2:32 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I love to enhance or numb my mind at times, but only in safe places, and only on the lake when I am moored to a beach for the requisite wearoff time.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
TMF - Too bad others out there don't share the same concept. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[THOR]

I dont know if this intrigues others besides me.

Do you ever wonder why these dipshits set up a beer bong on the bow of their boat and sit and tank down beers for everyone to watch? Isnt that just inviting cops to come over to you? Do you really have to drink a beer that fast?

This just puzzles me and I wonder if others feel the same way as I do.

[Havasu Dreamin]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 3:25 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I dont know if this intrigues others besides me.

Do you ever wonder why these dipshits set up a beer bong on the bow of their boat and sit and tank down beers for everyone to watch? Isnt that just inviting cops to come over to you? Do you really have to drink a beer that fast?

This just puzzles me and I wonder if others feel the same way as I do.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yes, I agree with you THOR. I agree with TMF and the others that ahve posted, I don't drink when I'm out on the boat as my dad and I made an agreement when we bought the first boat, you drink alcohol you don't drive the boat, plain and simple. More often than not we don't even have alcohol on the boat.

Soemthing else that puzzles me, this was brought to my attention by our neighbors in Havasu, ever notice that the ones that get in the accidents tend to be out-of-towners, not the locals? Interesting.

[Havasu Home]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Havasu Dreamin @ July 01 2004, 3:30 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 3:25 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I dont know if this intrigues others besides me.

Do you ever wonder why these dipshits set up a beer bong on the bow of their boat and sit and tank down beers for everyone to watch? Isnt that just inviting cops to come over to you? Do you really have to drink a beer that fast?

This just puzzles me and I wonder if others feel the same way as I do.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Yes, I agree with you THOR. I agree with TMF and the others that ahve posted, I don't drink when I'm out on the boat as my dad and I made an agreement when we bought the first boat, you drink alcohol you don't drive the boat, plain and simple. More often than not we don't even have alcohol on the boat.

Soemthing else that puzzles me, this was brought to my attention by our neighbors in Havasu, ever notice that the ones that get in the accidents tend to be out-of-towners, not the locals? Interesting.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
As HD just said, he and I made an agreement 4 years ago when we bought our first boat-YOU DRINK YOU DO NOT DRIVE. That is it plain and simple. I learned a long time ago, before most of you were born, that drinking on a boat and driving do not mix. Enjoy the time on the lake or river. If you want to drink have your wife or someone else drive the boat back to the launch ramp. We do it with our cars, why not with our boats.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 3:25 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Do you ever wonder why these dipshits set up a beer bong on the bow of their boat and sit and tank down beers for everyone to watch? Isnt that just inviting cops to come over to you? Do you really have to drink a beer that fast?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
So you never did the beer bong thing when you were younger? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif How about a can crusher? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/ohboy.gif

I will admit, I did my share of that stuff growing up. I believe that most of the ones that are doing that out there are a lot younger than us. I agree with you....they might as well have a big sign that says "I am drunk and driving my boat" for the cops to see.

[RiverLife]

I never even did that stuff when I was younger!! These middle age jackasses with beer bongs and video cameras need to grow up. It's there middle aged wives and girlfriends walking around with pasties on too.
Alchohol has zero positive effects: it either makes you talk loud and make horrible decisions, or makes you act aggressively (like those assholes that beat up those kids at the Sandbar...), or......... whatever. It makes ordinarily smart people act REAL stupid, real quick.

"I'm sorry sir, your loan request for this boat has been rejected. Your IQ test result came in too low." http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[THOR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 01 2004, 4:27 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (THOR @ July 01 2004, 3:25 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Do you ever wonder why these dipshits set up a beer bong on the bow of their boat and sit and tank down beers for everyone to watch? Isnt that just inviting cops to come over to you? Do you really have to drink a beer that fast?[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
So you never did the beer bong thing when you were younger? Â* http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif How about a can crusher? Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/ohboy.gif

I will admit, I did my share of that stuff growing up. Â*I believe that most of the ones that are doing that out there are a lot younger than us. Â*I agree with you....they might as well have a big sign that says "I am drunk and driving my boat" for the cops to see.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Sure I did. When I was 18. Not, I repeat, NOT when I was older and NOT when I am hangin on the boat.

The cops can just sit in the channel or the sandbar all day and haul people to jail. But, that would be too easy.

[duckbutter]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RiverLife @ July 01 2004, 2:40 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Alchohol has zero positive effects:[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think it makes me look sexy
isn't that a positive effect http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[titties and beer]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (duckbutter @ July 01 2004, 10:35 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RiverLife @ July 01 2004, 2:40 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Alchohol has zero positive effects:[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think it makes me look sexy
isn't that a positive effect http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
WHY YES IT DOES,LAYING THEIR PASSED OUT WITH ICE ON YOUR DICK http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif you guys want to go to the lake with us this weekend ? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Essex502]

<span style='font-size:17pt;line-height:100%'>Keeping Risks on the River at Bay</span>
With big holiday crowds expected at Lake Havasu, officials are planning to crack down on drinking and reckless boating.

By Lance Pugmire, Times Staff Writer

LAKE HAVASU — Deputy Dave Smith shook his head as he watched a young teenager on a Sea Doo watercraft putter through open water toward Havasu Landing, oblivious to the speed boats cutting across the lake at breakneck speed.

At that very spot two weeks ago, a speedboat and a 32-foot catamaran collided head-on, killing a 10-year-old Moorpark boy and his father. Â*
Â*
"Failure to maintain proper lookout is a huge problem out here, and it's the cause — with alcohol use — of 95% of the accidents we see," said Smith, steering his San Bernardino County sheriff's marine boat along the 90 miles of the river he patrols. "These are people who only need to use the same skills they use when they're driving a car, but it's like when they get on the water, they hang their brain out to the side."

Thousands of Southern Californians are expected to swarm to this popular stretch of the Colorado River this Fourth of July weekend, cutting loose and clogging the waterway in a sun-baked, wild floating party.

It's a hazardous mix that has led to five deaths on the water since September, and authorities say they will be out in force this weekend to crack down on the drunken and out-of-control boaters that are most often to blame.

Those crowds used to be limited to long holiday weekends, but now, with more and more Southern Californians vacationing close to home, congestion has become common.

On almost any weekend, Smith said, he sees young teenagers on personal watercraft zipping by at almost 70 miles an hour, and boaters cruising down the Colorado while swigging beers — which is legal on the water — and leering at bikini-clad women instead of watching the water ahead.

"It's so popular that every summer weekend at the river is like a holiday weekend," said sheriff's spokeswoman Cindy Beavers. "There's also nothing stopping you from buying a $150,000 boat that goes 100-plus mph and putting it on the water for the first time you've ever driven a boat."

On June 16, Steven Patchett, 48, and his 10-year-old son Tyler were traveling at about 60 mph in their catamaran when it smashed into a slower-moving 23-foot boat near Havasu Landing. The Patchetts both died, and another family member was seriously injured.

Last weekend, at a popular gathering spot known as the Sandbar, a speedboat plowed over a pontoon boat, and one of the injured was airlifted to a nearby hospital in serious condition. North of that crash, two people on personal watercraft crashed into one another, sending both to a hospital.

Downriver, three people from Orange County were killed in a two-boat collision along the Parker Strip in September.

There is no speed limit on the river. Law enforcement officials can only cite boaters traveling at "unsafe" speeds or those who violate speed restrictions inside marked "no-wake zones."

"It's getting so crazy out here because people who don't know how to drive boats are renting them and showing no responsibility, and the young, dumb kids on the Sea-Doos are only making it worse," said Jimmy Dahl, a former Redondo Beach resident in his mid-40s now living in Lake Havasu City, Ariz.

Sitting on his pontoon boat sipping a beer, Dahl said people have a right to have fun, but they need to keep it under control.

"I had 15 people on my boat the other day, and we had a great time. I'm drinking beer now, but I was drinking Gatorade on that day," he said. "I'm like everyone. The best day for me is to drink a cold beer and to see something naked…. But don't be so stupid."

Along the channel that runs underneath Lake Havasu's international landmark, the transplanted London Bridge, boaters dock en masse with others cruising through slowly to party, flirt and wade.

A thick cloud of engine exhaust results, and carbon monoxide emissions get so high that the Lake Havasu City Police Department twice closed the channel to all boat traffic during the Memorial Day holiday. The city recently installed carbon monoxide monitors in the channel.

Last year, before the monitors were in place, two Southern Californians drowned in the channel on holiday weekends, with the noxious air and alcohol use suspected as causes of death, said Lake Havasu City Police Lt. Dan Doyle.

"They can be drinking while hanging onto a boat one second, and under the water the next, and nobody really notices because there's so much going on in that channel," sheriff's spokesman Beavers said.

Law enforcement officials said they also are concerned about the river's inherent distractions for teenagers and children — wild tourists, speeding watercraft and breathtaking scenery — and blamed parents for not taking more precautions.

Deputies have stopped 10-year-olds driving personal watercraft, rented from local businesses that rely on parents giving their children's true ages.

"It's like parents giving their kids the keys to a motorcycle and letting them drive full speed through traffic on the 91 Freeway," Smith said. "They don't do it at home, but they do it out here."

The surging popularity of teak surfing and other towing sports, such as wakeboarding, resulted in a 38% increase in towing accidents from 2002 to 2003 in California, said David Johnson, spokesman for the California Department of Boating and Waterways.

Among the three states linked to the river's most popular spot, only Nevada has instituted a law requiring boat operators born after January 1983 to obtain an operator's certificate. The certificate is given for completion of a six- to eight-hour boating safety course approved by the National Assn. of State Boating Laws Administration.

"This was prompted by the fact that 80 to 85% of those involved in boating accidents never had training," said Fred Messman, boating law administrator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

In California, a 1999 bill submitted by a boating task force would have required operators under age 40 to complete a course. It failed by veto, with then-Gov. Gray Davis saying he wasn't convinced the test would reduce accidents or improve boat operating skills.

reprinted without permission from the Los Angeles Times

[kevnmcd]

E502 - I read that today in the paper....front page of the California section in the LA Times. Havasu has been in the news a lot lately....I wonder why? http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 02 2004, 08:42 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">E502 - I read that today in the paper....front page of the California section in the LA Times. Â*Havasu has been in the news a lot lately....I wonder why? Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
MTV....WILD on E!...etc...just like Palm Springs experienced with Spring Break...more news draws more idiots...pendulum will swing back once LE catches up.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 02 2004, 09:33 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 02 2004, 08:42 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">E502 - I read that today in the paper....front page of the California section in the LA Times. Â*Havasu has been in the news a lot lately....I wonder why? Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
MTV....WILD on E!...etc...just like Palm Springs experienced with Spring Break...more news draws more idiots...pendulum will swing back once LE catches up.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I hope so.

[jrgaudettes]

Sry just want to say my .02..... So when you drink on the shore and then drive your boat is ok?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? Come on guys you all talk like your saints..... Ive seen most of you drink while boating... You got to where and big pair of boots on this board these days.....

[jrgaudettes]

One more thing in Havasu there are plenty of places to stay away from the crazy people....

[BADFISH II]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 11:28 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Sry just want to say my .02..... So when you drink on the shore and then drive your boat is ok?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? Come on guys you all talk like your saints..... Ive seen most of you drink while boating... You got to where and big pair of boots on this board Â*these days.....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I had to get rid of my boat because of my beer problem http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[BADFISH II]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 11:30 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">One more thing in Havasu there are plenty of places to stay away from the crazy people....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
not if you're in a boat unless it's on a trailer somewhere http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

[jrgaudettes]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Lakemead1 @ July 07 2004, 11:32 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">not if you're in a boat unless it's on a trailer somewhere http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Have to disagree....

[jrgaudettes]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Lakemead1 @ July 07 2004, 11:31 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I had to get rid of my boat because of my beer problem http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think I am right there with you on that one....

[BADFISH II]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 11:36 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Lakemead1 @ July 07 2004, 11:31 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I had to get rid of my boat because of my beer problem http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think I am right there with you on that one....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
one out of two aint bad Leo http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

I knew I was getting old when havasu got a bit much for me, too many crazy people, I like the size of mead, mohave and powell - but to each their own http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[jrgaudettes]

I love all the lakes to be honest Mead is our favorite lake. I like Havasu almost as much there are so many thigs to do in Havasu.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 11:28 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Sry just want to say my .02..... So when you drink on the shore and then drive your boat is ok?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? Come on guys you all talk like your saints..... Ive seen most of you drink while boating... You got to where and big pair of boots on this board Â*these days.....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I never said I don't drink when I drive my boat. I will be the first one to have a beer and to pass them out. I can control my intake, but I can't control the intake of other drivers. That is where I have a problem. Makes me very nervous to be going through the gorge with all the other boats and not know which one is going to cut me off at any minute! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

[jrgaudettes]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 07 2004, 11:49 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I never said I don't drink when I drive my boat. Â*I will be the first one to have a beer and to pass them out. Â*I can control my intake, but I can't control the intake of other drivers. Â*That is where I have a problem. Â*Makes me very nervous to be going through the gorge with all the other boats and not know which one is going to cut me off at any minute! Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
You are right... Im the same and you cant control other people...If some one in a boat is heading straight for me I think or I know I would not challenge and just pull over...Just it is becoming to easy to get financed on a boat these days so we have all walks of life out there and alot of people who think the lake in theres and do not think there are rules out there...

[kevnmcd]

With the price of homes skyrocketing, first time or beginner boaters have been able to pull tons of money out of their houses and go buy big fast boats. You put a beginner driver behind the wheel of a big fast boat and you have the possibility of a catastophy...you add alcohol to that driver... http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif

[Essex502]

Leo...you haven't seen me drink much recently when we're out boating...pretty much stay with the water until we put the boat back on the trailer.

Havasu has many coves on the south end where you can get away from most of the idiots. We also don't boat much on the weekend per se...our major day in on Friday and if we're on the water on Saturday we are parked in Steamboat early in the day. We stay away from holiday weekends to avoid the majority of the crazy fools.

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 07 2004, 11:49 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 11:28 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Sry just want to say my .02..... So when you drink on the shore and then drive your boat is ok?http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif??? Come on guys you all talk like your saints..... Ive seen most of you drink while boating... You got to where and big pair of boots on this board Â*these days.....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I never said I don't drink when I drive my boat. Â*I will be the first one to have a beer and to pass them out. Â*I can control my intake, but I can't control the intake of other drivers. Â*That is where I have a problem. Â*Makes me very nervous to be going through the gorge with all the other boats and not know which one is going to cut me off at any minute! Â*http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Easy ... stay out of the gorge on busy days! Come all the way down to Havasu and stay on the south end of the lake...many fewer fools and idiots down there since the Sandbar is the usual congregation point for them. There is a wide space around Copper Canyon so it's easy to avoid the partiers that are out of control. Steamboat is much more family friendly and calmer.

[jrgaudettes]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Essex502 @ July 07 2004, 12:02 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Leo...you haven't seen me drink much recently when we're out boating...pretty much stay with the water until we put the boat back on the trailer.

Havasu has many coves on the south end where you can get away from most of the idiots. We also don't boat much on the weekend per se...our major day in on Friday and if we're on the water on Saturday we are parked in Steamboat early in the day. We stay away from holiday weekends to avoid the majority of the crazy fools.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I have not seen you drink @ all.... just water and gatoraid...I not picking on any one...Hell Im probally worse then most... But never to the point of stupidity. Just is nice to have some cold ones while floating on the water and listening to some music.

[jrgaudettes]

Kevin you are right on these new boaters.... It is unreal the people I see with these big boats and have no clue....

[RiverLife]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 07 2004, 11:49 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Â*I can control my intake,[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
How do you know Kev.?

I'm not gonna mention any names but I've seen a few people on these boards driving like a fucking wreck after being tied up all day and claiming they don't drink and boat http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif and you can't blame it on the wind.... http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jrgaudettes @ July 07 2004, 12:09 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Kevin you are right on these new boaters.... It is unreal the people I see with these big boats and have no clue....[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I think with the interest rates so low...the equity in peeps homes for refi...20 year boat loans...3 or 4 partners...it doesn't take much to get into a boat today. Also, it seems (just an observation and may be misguided) the boat rental - pontoon and otherwise - is out of control...anyone can rent one and off they go.

[kevnmcd]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (RiverLife @ July 07 2004, 12:26 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kevnmcd @ July 07 2004, 11:49 am)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Â*I can control my intake,[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
How do you know Kev.? Â*[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Because I am old now....maybe when I was younger I couldn't but not now that I am old. http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[OutCole'd]

If there is one thing these boards have tought me is to slow the hell down on the beers during the day. I used to get a good buzz going from first thing in the morning. Now, I may 3-4 during the day if that much. I wait till I'm off the boat before I start up now.

I also notice my head hurts less the next day.

[Havasu Dreamin]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (OutCole'd @ July 07 2004, 1:07 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I also notice my head hurts less the next day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Same with me beer + heat + sun = no bueno. I wait until at night and then get the party started.

Still remember the time E502 and I got smashed before we even made it to Mudhsarks one night, Mrs. E502 and HH were the only sober ones that night! Then E502 and I hit up Klub Kayos! LMAO

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Havasu Dreamin @ July 07 2004, 1:11 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (OutCole'd @ July 07 2004, 1:07 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I also notice my head hurts less the next day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Same with me beer + heat + Â*sun = no bueno. I wait until at night and then get the party started.

Still remember the time E502 and I got smashed before we even made it to Mudhsarks one night, Mrs. E502 and HH were the only sober ones that night! Then E502 and I hit up Klub Kayos! LMAO[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
That was a night! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Most of the buzz was on beer too!

[Essex502]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (OutCole'd @ July 07 2004, 1:07 pm)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">If there is one thing these boards have tought me is to slow the hell down on the beers during the day. I used to get a good buzz going from first thing in the morning. Now, I may 3-4 during the day if that much. I wait till I'm off the boat before I start up now.

I also notice my head hurts less the next day.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I remember many trips to Laughlin where we'd blast up lake from Katherine Landing and find an isolated cove and hit the suds...had to sit around all day to left the buzz die down before heading back to the marina and "slipping" the boat. Damn...waiting around in a nice quiet cove...that's the $hits! http://www.lasvegashotboats.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif