Major Harbour Danger - Easily Absorbed

As you all know, cell phones have a short life and have to be replaced to keep up with technology. Doug’s phone started acting erratically one day, so we went to the local store and purchased a new flip phone with camera and all the extras. There was a hefty price tag attached, but the salesperson said we could get it free if he signed up for three years. He did.

Doug was so pleased with his new phone and later that day, we went down to the boat to test the signal. Because he hadn’t picked out a new “holster” (the phone didn’t fit the old one), he simply put it in his jacket pocket not realizing what would happen next.

We decided to try out the signal around the harbour and how far it would reach out on the Bay. So, we prepared to leave the dock and go boating. Doug excitedly untied the lines and as he leaned over to lay the amidships line on the dock, his new phone flipped out of his pocket and went straight down between the boat and the dock. He watched the bubbles surface as it made its way 12’ to the bottom. You can imagine the words that came to mind.

Diving for Phone

Our plans quickly changed and Doug decided to dive for his phone. Remembering the hefty pricetag to replace it, we thought maybe, we could get it replaced under warranty? To do that, we needed the phone even if it was soaked and not working.

Equipped in his mask, snorkel and fins, he dove into the water to rescue his new toy. We didn’t even consider any danger that could be lurking. The water was clear, no turbulence. He searched for some time, but the dock cast a shadow and it was too cloudy to see at that depth with a “dusty” silt bottom. Finally, he gave up.

The Danger

Then, we learned of the danger. Our Harbour Master informed us that no one should be swimming in the harbour this week. He was about to put up the sign. It seems that the town had just decided to pour chemicals into the water to control weeds that were growing in parts of the harbour. Problem is that the chemical is injurious to human health. He told us that the chemical wouldn’t be harmful after a week but that didn’t help us. Now he tells us!

How many other harbours are doing this before they post the signs or not put up signs at all? We can all remember a few decades back when the manufacturers and users of products like DDT, Urea Formaldehyde, Lead Solder, Tobacco, etc. promoted them as safe. We know better now.

Lucky for Doug

Doug went through a chemical detox and didn’t suffer any long term health effects.

Who do you trust? How do they know? Who do you believe? What chemicals are being used to wash boats in the harbour? What’s in the runoff from town or nearby farms?

Just because you can’t see anything in the water, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Err on the side of safety.

Don’t swim in the harbour until you are satisfied that it is safe from chemical pollutants, pesticides, sewage, heavy metals, oil, fuel, agricultural runoff and anything else that could be injurious to your health. We will be swimming in the lake from now on--not the harbour!

Our next article will be about another major, invisible danger in all harbours.

See Next Article