SGT. DAKOTA ANDERSON
90th Aviation Support Battalion
Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas

Gather 'round, folks, for a tale that'll get your heart racing faster than a Jet Ski on Lake Whitney. This story highlights a close call that had us thanking our lucky stars and learning a valuable lesson about staying sharp when out on the water.

It was a bright, sunny morning, the kind that begs you to grab your gear and head out for some fun on the lake. My buddy, Alex, and I were itching for an adventure, so we loaded up the truck with our equipment and my trusty Jet Ski. We were all set for a day of thrills and spills. As we hit the water, Alex wasted no time strapping himself onto his kneeboard, a big grin plastered across his face. Meanwhile, I fired up the Jet Ski, ready to play the role of captain for the day.

The water was calm and the sky was clear; it was shaping up to be a perfect day. But as they say, trouble lurks just beneath the surface and strikes when you least expect it. And trouble was exactly what we found as we cruised along, the wind whipping through our hair and the sun warming our skin. You see, amidst all the laughter and excitement, we failed to notice a boat speeding straight for us, its driver seemingly oblivious to our presence. My stomach dropped as soon as I spotted the boat barreling toward us like a freight train on water.

With lightning-quick reflexes, I yanked the Jet Ski’s handlebars, veering sharply to the side in a desperate attempt to avoid a collision. The Jet Ski pitched to the left, missing the oncoming boat by mere inches. But the danger wasn't over yet. When I glanced back over my shoulder, my heart nearly stopped as I saw Alex, still clinging to his kneeboard, directly in the path of the speeding boat. In that split-second, time seemed to slow to a crawl as I braced myself for the worst.

Luckily, fate, it seemed, was on our side that day. With a surge of adrenaline-fueled strength, Alex managed to propel himself off the kneeboard moments before the boat would have plowed into him. He hit the water with a splash, his heart pounding in his chest as he swam frantically out of harm's way. As the boat roared past us, leaving nothing but a frothy trail in its wake, we were left shaken but unharmed. It was a brush with disaster that left us trembling with adrenaline and gratitude, the close call serving as a stark reminder of the importance of staying alert and aware when out on the water.

As we made our way back to shore, the adrenaline slowly fading, we couldn't help but reflect on the events of the day. It was a wake-up call, a reminder that even on a seemingly perfect day, danger can strike when you least expect it. So, to all you thrill-seekers and water lovers out there, heed our tale and remember — stay sharp, stay safe and may your adventures always have a happy ending.

 

FYI

Operator inattention and not having an adequate lookout are a leading cause of boating accidents each year. According to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, it is critical that there be a proper lookout at all times while on the water. Always operate your boat at a safe speed, stay alert and avoid large vessels and other boats that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn.

 

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• 1 September 2024
• [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Author]: USACRC Editor
• [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Numberofviews]: 148
• [EasyDNNnewsLocalizedText:Comments]: 0

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