A call just came over the scanner for Miller Hose and Olcott Fire Depts. to respond to the docks at the Time Out II for a boat that is sinking. This boat is DOCKED. Boats sink at docks all the time. How is that an emergency? Go to a hardware or marine store and buy some portable pumps, get the water about half out, pull into some travel lift slings, and while still pumping - slowly lift her out of the water.

Calling 911 is for medical or dangerous situations, not loss of property! This is not the first time I have heard a call like this on Lake Ontario. In other areas, people have to pay big bucks for this type of assistance. Why is it different here?

When I was about 11 years old, our boat lost power in the dark along an area much like Olcott with high bluffs all around. It was our answers to the Coast Guard's questions that determined if they would come get us, or if they call a commercial salvage company to get us and charge us. Since we were taking on water with three children on board, they came and got us. But in alot of cases, they do not. That is why most boaters carry tow insurance through Boat US. Boaters know that the salvage companies are monitoring the ship to shore like vultures waiting for a non emergency call. And so are marine repair shops!