Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 | I use Hidden Anchorage to water-ski because it is the safest place to water-ski in San Diego, although there is room to improve safety. And this is our opportunity to make it an even safer place for all of San Diego to enjoy.
When I take my eight year old sons, and at times their friends, out to water-ski at Hidden Anchorage, I don’t have to worry about another boat running them over if and when they fall. That is because only one boat is allowed to move at one time there.
I am concerned about the dogs present at Hidden Anchorage. There have been times when dogs have jumped out into the water barking aggressively at my sons. I have seen dogs attack each other on the shoreline. I have seen dogs defecate in the water near the shore. I think this poses a health hazard to the people who go in the water.
I’ve seen dog owners throw objects way out into the water and have their dogs fetch such objects. Once I saw a dog owner throw two tennis balls that were connected by a short piece of rope, right into the path of boat traveling under power.
I think it is dangerous to have high speed boats and swimmers or dogs using the same area. I think it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt really bad, or killed because of the shared usage at Hidden Anchorage.
I think this is an opportunity for planners, and developers to really help the dogs, the dog owners, and the skiers and wake boarders have a safe place to enjoy Mission Bay, by separating them.
I am concerned for the safety of my children. I am concerned about the safety of the dogs and their owners. We can help save lives here by figuring out a way to separate the activities of high speed boats, dogs, and swimmers.
I want to say thank you to whoever is responsible for creating the special permit requirement for use at Hidden Anchorage. I have seen the patrol boat come and tell kayakers that they are not allowed in there. And the kayakers left. The patrol boat personnel perhaps prevented a serious injury that day.
We need to enforce the current rules and regulations at Hidden Anchorage. And we need to plan for the future safe use of Mission Bay.
I say thank you to the lifeguards and harbor patrol for their hard work, dedication and all that they do to keep us safe. I think keeping people safe is important. And keeping the city and planners and developers out of litigation for an otherwise preventable injury or death makes sense too.
I think separating the activities is an easy way to gain the many benefits of safety for all parties concerned.