Fatal Boating Accident Stirs Readers’ Emotions
What makes a compelling news story? One objective measure is the nature and volume of reader comment.
Dozens of our readers felt compelled to comment on the bizarre fatal boating accident on Hayden Lake last week.
A 3-year-old boy pushed the ignition button on a Sea-Doo as his father stood in chest-high water trying to tie up the craft. As the vessel started to move, the boy panicked and pushed the throttle forward. The boy was thrown as the watercraft lurched up and over a boat, hitting two Spokane sisters. Gail Lambert, 80, was killed.
The Aug. 10 article described the accident and published information about the victim that was provided by the family. Here are some of the comments we received about that article on our Web site:
“This kind of accident just leaves you stunned. The sad part is someone died through a momentary lapse of attention. Who could ever think that the situation could have happened as described? The father will probably spend the rest of his life mentally beating himself up over something that no one could reasonably be expected to prevent.”
“I feel that this is just what it appears, an accident. I do think that parents need to be constantly aware of what their children are doing. This is our responsibility and some parents (especially fathers) tend to let their minds wander away from the activities of their children. This was just a momentary lapse but it cost the life of another person.”
“Wow! One would think that maybe a higher calling had a hand in this. She sounds like she was a wonderful lady. And it’s a blessing to hear that the little man was not hurt.”
“I think it is very tragic. I hope the other family can come to see that although a 3-year-old killed their mother, it was an accident. I wish all involved peace in their hearts to cope at a very hard time.”
“If the father or the boy is not responsible for this tragic fatal accident, then one can only conclude it is that of the Jet Ski and its manufacturer. These machines have turned our pristine waterways into death traps. They pollute, and single-handedly have ruined the tranquility of our lakes. The manner in which they are driven for `fun’ is deplorable and clearly dangerous. It is tantamount to driving a motorcycle on I-90 in circles. They should be banned.”
“I loved this woman. My mother was her very good friend and I spent many happy hours traveling with the both of them. Gail was a vibrant person, full of life. She was loved her family and will be missed by them and all of her friends. I have spent summers on a lake in Idaho most of my life. I have never been on a Jet Ski even though some of my family owns them. I hate them - noisy, dangerous, obnoxious and killers.”
“I am sorry to hear of yet another idiotic personal watercraft accident killing someone. This accident could have been prevented through the power-off procedures covered in most manuals for personal watercraft: `Shut off the motor, remove the key, remove the occupants, and then tie up the personal watercraft.’ A 3-year-old has no reason to be on an `armed,’ or ready to go, personal watercraft without direct control exerted by a responsible adult. It’s only common sense.”
“I am an avid enthusiast riding my personal watercraft three to five times a week. Although I consider myself to be highly skilled and aware while on the water, accidents can and do happen. It’s unfortunate when an accident happens that causes major property damage, serious personal injury, or in this case death. It’s important to step back and take a look at this situation so the `anti Jet Ski’ crowd doesn’t use it as another weapon in the propaganda war to get the rest of us to live our lives in their image. My heart goes out to this family. No one should have to suffer this kind tragedy under these circumstances. Just don’t make my family pay for others’ mistakes.”
“What a terrible tragedy. I know many will say it was an accident that it happened the way it did. But, if the personal watercraft were outlawed to begin with, this and others `accidents’ like it wouldn’t have happened.”
Thank you for putting this article on the Internet. I am Gail Lambert’s nephew and I will miss her very much. As you have described, she was an extremely warm, caring and energetic person. I hope we can learn something from this horrible event and prevent it from reoccurring. I certainly do not fault the father or 3-year-old for this accident but simply wonder if ignition switches and throttles can be designed that require more deliberate operation.”
This sidebar appeared with the story:
GET INVOLVED
If you have an e-mail address and would like to become part of the newspaper’s advisory network, simply e-mail Interactive Editor Ken Sands at kens@spokesman.com. The mission of Handle Extra is to inspire greater citizen participation in community issues. To do that, we need to hear from you. Our fax number is 765-7149, and our address is 608 Northwest Blvd. Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.