LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On March 23, while on patrol on Clear Lake near the entrance to the State Park, Wayne and Anita Farnholtz,  members of Flotilla 88 of Lake County, heard a call on Channel 16 to the Sheriff’s Lake Patrol from the Sea Scout vessel.

Farnholtz approached the vessel to inquire if they needed help. The Sea Scouts pointed out a large “deadhead” – a partially submerged tree stump or log – with about 12 inches showing above the surface about 30 yards before the entrance to the park and were waiting for a response from the sheriff’s patrol.  

With the Sea Scouts’ assistance, the Farnholtzs were able to mark the hazard with an orange flag to warn other boaters of the danger.

They then called their radio guard, Flotilla member John Fox, who notified the appropriate personnel.  

The sheriff’s patrol came to the hazard and towed the dead head to the county park. Good team work with the Sea Scouts, Flotilla 88 members and the sheriff’s patrol.

On April 6, Flotilla 88 member Corey Jones, while in his boat fishing on Clear Lake, spied a large dead head in the water. Jones being a trained crew member but not on official duty, recognized this as a definite boating hazard.

So as a private citizen, Jones secured the dead head with a line and towed it into Redbud Harbor.  Another good deed which may have saved an unsuspecting boater from a dangerous situation causing serious damage or injury.

Dorothy De Lope is public affairs officer for Flotilla 88 of Lake County, Calif.