SMOOTH WATERS: Today begins National Safe Boating...

SMOOTH WATERS: Today begins National Safe Boating week and local officials say the issue deserves recognition. . . . “Most of our accidents come from inexperienced drivers, or those who haven’t taken safety courses,” says Capt. Harry Gage of the sheriff’s harbor patrol division. “With the thousands of boats we have on the water, we’re fortunate we don’t have more accidents than we do.” One way to help: a toll free number--(800) 336-2628--provides information on local boating safety courses.

Safe Boating

Boating accidents in Orange County are down 19% from five years ago.

1987: 198

1988: 176

1989: 155

1990: 155

1991: 160

Source: Sheriff’s Department