Do we want warning signs?

October 17, 2007

            Last night we watched the special meeting of the Lake Havasu City Council, on Channel 45. They were discussing their future actions, if any, concerning the recent death on Lake Havasu, caused by an amoeba.
            This morning I was greeted with the headline in our local newspaper, stating “City will post signs warning of amoeba”. This left both my husband and I a bit confused, because we got the impression (after watching the meeting), that they were exploring the possibility of signs, and what the signs might say.
            Hmm, I guess we weren’t paying close enough attention, or else the newspaper jumped the gun.
            I understand how devastated the family must be who recently lost their son, yet, the fact is, such a death is extremely…extremely rare…and only occurs in certain conditions. (Typically the offending amoeba is found in unusually warm water which is stagnant and shallow, and it must enter the nostrils through a violent stream of water).
            Posting signs might make some people feel better, but I think we need to step back and look at the big picture.
            My family has been on Lake Havasu for almost 40 years. And over those nearly four decades, we have seen a number of deaths, for a variety of reasons. Only one of these deaths was caused by an amoeba. Yet, there are some causes that have claimed more than their share of lives.
            I’m all for educating the public about various threats, but if our goal is to save future lives, maybe there are other, more consistently deadly threats we need to include with the amoeba.

Drinking and driving a boat – this is a BIGGIE
Not knowing HOW to drive a boat – Talk about needing education!
Carbon monoxide - Swimmers who play near the back of running boats (common with jet boats) can pass out and drown.
Skiing too close to the shore .
Boaters not wearing life jackets, and falling overboard.

I feel uncomfortable with a sign dedicated solely to the topic of the amoeba. I also HATE the signs the city has currently posted in the Channel. I’m all for the city initiating a safety campaign. But, I dislike signs that inflame and panic.

Bobbi Holmes

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