GuardAmerican (@GuardAmerican)

**#SanFrancisco** Tragedy struck today when some yahoos on a frickin’ PONTOON boat (more suitable for the Delta or lake use) went out into The Slot, on their way to Alcatraz. From near-dead-calm in the morning hours, afternoon winds can easily build to 30 knots (34.5 mph) or more, even on a sunny and beautiful day like today, where the high was 71º. When I refer to “The Slot,” this is a channel of very strong afternoon winds defined by the physical opening of the Golden Gate, wherein wind is squeezed through a narrow strait and consequently speeds up considerably on its way east to Berkeley. The edge of The Slot is surprisingly well-defined. Just as the edge of a 6-knot tide can create a foot-high wall of water passing by an inlet, at speed. It is pretty remarkable to see. And I have seen it. Such tides can sweep you far, far away in minutes. A pontoon boat in NO WAY is appropriate for navigating such waters, as today’s death and sinking demonstrated. The ocean is unforgiving. SF Bay is also unforgiving. Do not EVER go out with anyone, on any boat (let alone a pontoon boat, ffs), if you are not absolutely certain of their experience. It is EASY to die in 55º water. Very easy. And it is very difficult to haul a person out of the drink, even if you know what you are doing. I know what I am doing. I AM experienced. And I practice hauling dead-weight out of the water, every year. It is NOT easy. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/bay-vessel-fire-alcatraz-rescue-22345608.php cc @ocotillo42