Post-Pandemic Boating: New Normal – But For How Long?

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA—Boating this year has undoubtedly been different than in years past. Masks, restrictions on gatherings, social distancing at launch ramps and even some launch ramp closures are part of the new Covid-19 induced normal for boaters. However, getting out on the water remains an activity that for the most part, is not off limits. For Owen Sharp and Virgil Talbott, Covid-19 has provided them the opportunity to get their sailboat out for the first time in a year. “It’s easy to stay 6 feet apart,” Sharp said while prepping the sailboat with Talbott in the parking lot at the Davies Harbor Launch Ramp in Long Beach on May 20. Boaters in Long Beach never lost access to waterways; however, the number of open boat launch ramps has been reduced from five to two. Davies and South Shore are the two ramps that remain open. Long Beach Marine Bureau Marine Operations Superintendent Todd Leland said the other three are connected to beach parking lots, which were still closed in the city as of the time this paper went to press. Marina parking lots at Shoreline and Alamitos Bay remain open for boaters. “Priority number one is keeping everybody safe and priority number two is making sure...