DAILY SENTINEL 7th Annual 2 & 8 Mile Challenge September 9, 1984 Woodstock, Illinois SUNDAY; SEPTEMBER 9, 1984 Woodstock City Park Woodstock, Illinois 2 Mile Fun Run 8:30 a.m. start Court* Records: Men: Jim Sims (9:51 -1980) Woman: Kim Kelly (12:23 - 1982) 8 Mile Rosd Rsce 9:00 a.m. start Course Accords: Man: Terry McGinn (41:22 -1983) Woman: Batty Boppart (51:24 -1980) part of summer boating As vacation time nears, thousands of vacationers who are fortunate enought to have access to boats will be heading for the water and fun-filled days of sail ing, rowing and outboard boating. Before they weigh anchor, boaters would do well to familiarize themselves with some basic rules for safe boating, if they are not already well-acquainted with safety measures. One of the most important rules is to follow the recommended power rating for your craft. An over-powered boat is difficult to handle and can result in ac cidents, while an under-powered boat may be too sluggish to buck the wind andwhitecaps. When boarding, be sure and have somebody steady your boat. It is also wise to make sure the boat is securely fastened to the dock. If you're boarding a small boat, grasp both sides and step in near the center. If you're boarding from a high pier ota the beach, get in over the bow. And remember, don't ever jump into the boat! Before you take off, check to see that your load is balanced, and weight is distributed evenly. Tighten the bracket screws of your motor and have it chain ed to your boat. Novt that you're ready to launch, your "rules of the road" for water traffic are most important for safety. Remember that sailboats and rowboats generally have the right of way. If you're in a motorboat, steer clear of sailboats and rowboats, as your wake can create a hazard for them. If a boat is approaching your right or starboard side from dead ahead to about 112 degrees toward your stern, it has the right of way, and it's your responsibility to avoid a collision. If you're backing up, your stern becomes the bow, and the same 122-degree rule for right-of-way applies from your stern. If you're approaching each other head-on, both boats much change course by turning to the right. If another boat approaches you from the left or port side its skipper should change course to avoid a collision. Keep alert, however, and change your course $6.50 by August 31, $7.50 aftar August 31 A on raca day Cell 815/338-1300 for details SHIRJS*AWARDS«REFRESHMENTS if he doesn't know the rules. When overtaking another boat, remember that it has the right of way. Be sureand keep well clear of it. If you're being overtaken by another boat, you must maintain your speed and course, unless there is danger of colli sion. Make sure passengers remain seated in small boats and prevent dunkings by avoiding sharp turns at high speeds. Head into waves at about a 45-degree angle so your boat climbs and rolls gent ly over them. Don't run parallel to waves and don't back into them or take waves over your stern. Watch out for submerged rocks, logs and other underwater hazards. Keep a * sharp eye for ripples and choppy areas; these often indicate the presence of submerged rocks ahead. Slow down at the first sign of floating debris or drift wood, as these may be snagged on some kind of underwater obstruction. Be familiar with whistle signals; one long blast is a warning signal, one short blast means "pass on my starboard," three short blasts, "engines in reverse," and four or more blasts are a danger signal. If, in spite of all your safety precau tions, someone falls overboard, im mediately swing your stern away from the person overboard, throw your motor shift into neutral, and throw a ring buoy or cushion to him. Bring him around to stern with a paddle line, just as you would a swimmer or water skier. Brace yourself by hooking your feet under the boat seat and pull the swimmer into the boat. Do so carefully, or you may cap size your boat! If your boat should ever capsize, put on your life preserver and stay with your boat. Whatever you do, don't try and swim to shore. Your boat will float, and you can hang on to it for support Call for help, or wait for help. It's a wise idea, before embarking on your boating holiday, yo "enroll in one of the many courses offered in boating, through various community agencies. Such preparation will pay off in safe and more enjoyable boating trips this vaca- tiontime. Boating is one of the best ways to spend vacation time during the summer, but Illinois safety rules have to be followed to ensure that everybody has a safe, fun time out on the water.