Ladders on Docks Discussed for Oceanside

Byline: Taylor Hill OCEANSIDE — It happens quite frequently — one misstep here and a wet boater there. Many boaters over the years have had the embarrassing experience of falling off the docks and into the water, only to have to hoist themselves back up, or wait for a helping hand. But charter boat captain Les George of Oceanside believes the situation on his dock could lead to more than just a wet boater, and could actually endanger lives. “There are some people on the docks, older people, who are liveaboards — and if they were to fall in at night, they might not be able to pull themselves to safety,” George said. “These docks are more than 18 inches above the water, and when you’re in full clothes, it’s going to be hard for anyone to get back up.” George, a member on Oceanside’s Harbor Advisory Committee, brought up the topic at the committee’s May meeting. There, fellow boater and Oceanside Yacht Club member Rick Trusty offered $100 to any city worker to give to the charity of his or her choice, if they could pull themselves out of the water and onto the docks with all of their clothes on. “We don’t even...