" (Part 2) As for you on those Personal Water Craft (Jet Skies), we are all very impressed by your acrobatic skills, and if I really want a closer look at your performance, I will get out my binoculars. Please do not ride anywhere near my boat. Stay at least 150 feet away from any other craft on the water. I have yet to see any boat or water craft that has breaks. If you dump your PWC in front of my boat, and I do not have room to maneuver away from you, I am going to run over you. Nothing personal, my boat just does not have breaks, and neither does yours. And after my boat has gone over you, and you have been chopped into fine fish bait, I might be sued, but you will be dead. I will likely recover from the lawsuit, but you will never recover from being dead. And quite frankly, that is not one of those lifelong memories I want for myself, my family, you, or your family.

Sure, accidents happen. But it seems that the one common thread in every “accident” is a disregard for basic safety somewhere along the way. If we all keep safety first in mind, we can all have fun and avoid those nasty accidents. "

" (Part 1) *** I wrote this earlier this year as a letter to the editor. It was not published because I no longer live in Napa. But it seems the (inevitable) incidents I was warning of are taking place at a rapid rate, so I will post this as a story comment instead. ***

As the weather heats up, we will be drawn in ever greater numbers to the lakes, rivers, and streams for the refreshing waters. Life long memories will be formed and family and friendship bonds will be strengthened.

While we venture out on our expeditions, let us all remember to make all those memories we create good ones. Be safe. A moment’s carelessness can result in a lifetime of regret. As we take to the roadways, let us all remember that there are others on those same thoroughfares, including our own loved ones. Keep the speed down, don’t try passing where you know you should not, and if you’ve been drinking, just stay put or call for a ride.

At the lakes (Berryessa, Folsom, Clear Lake), keep those life jackets on, even you expert swimmers. Yes, you will get tan lines, and the life jacket hides those six-pack abs, but dead bodies are rarely attractive. Boat owners and renters, don’t be shy about standing your ground and requiring anyone on your craft to ware that lifejacket (properly secured). Your friends are very cool, but after they drown, they are flat out cold. "

" Well said, Skip. "

" Skip you are a very smart person!! I hope people read and listen to you.
We were a the lake Saturday and on the way back this idiot decides he wants to pass on a 2 lane road across double yellow lines and he didn't pass only us he also passed the 2 other cars ahead of us!! These people are some super idiots!! Its a nice drive, just sit back and enjoy going the speed limit!!!
I always tell everyone it is not worth getting killed or killing someone, when you die you cant come back. I think most people dont realize once you are gone you are gone! "

" How horrible. thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Last year we were at the 'spot' on a lake having a great time- a man was standing in his boat checking his tower, he slipped and hit his head on the boat on the way down. he laid faced down in the water, out cold. My hubby and friends swam over right away and dragged him onto the deck. Luckily the man was wearing a life jacket!! those few seconds afloat helped in rescuing him and aided my hubby and friends, he was still hard to maneuver even thou he had the jacket on. Every safety second counts, be safe and wear your jackets! "

" My message is two-fold:
First of all -- to the reporter, for the last time, get the story straight! The deputy DID NOT assist in finding the man nor bringing him to shore. The sheriff - both on jet ski and in boats did not even get there until CPR was being administered by other campers. They did everything they could, but they should not receive credit for looking for him nor finding him! The credit for getting involved goes to a few people who know who they are. Give credit where credit is due!!
Secondly - To the family: I'm sorry to hear the sad news that Elvis did not make it. I am a person of faith and believe in a higher power; that there are reasons beyond our understanding of why things happen the way they do. With that said, I'm sure he fought hard but is now at peace. I pray for his family and friends. Everyone did as much as they could, but even that sometimes is not enough. The harsh lesson here is that we are all human and this tragedy could have been avoided. Please do not let this young life be in vain --- remember Elvis and don't let the same fate come to others! R.I.P. "

" Another tragedy. I wonder what happened to this man, the story doesn't give details.
I second "lahrgsp". Thank you Skip M. "

" To make a donation please contact: Precita Community Center 534 Precita Avenue San Francisco, ca 94110 Contact Persons: Gladys Escobar or Valentina Sedeno (415) 206 - 7756 / (415) 920 – 0798 Or: Driscoll's Serra Mortuary 1465 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 970 – 8801(Make sure you say its for Elvis Martinez.) "

" Rest in paradise "Littles"
nothing but happy and funny thoughts come to mind when i think of u.. u will always be missed "