A Teen’s Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster on Lake Winnipesaukee
Imagine this: you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the lake, the sun is shining, and the water is calm. Suddenly, you hear a loud engine revving and see a boat spinning wildly, completely out of control. That’s exactly what happened to Rich Bono, who was on the dock at Smith Cove on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. The scene unfolded before his eyes, a thrilling mix of danger and quick thinking, all caught on camera.
Bono, a seasoned observer of the lake, knew something was terribly wrong. The boat was circling relentlessly, no one at the helm. “I can hear an engine revving, and I looked down the end of the dock toward the noise and saw a boat circling, circling, circling, and no one was in it,” he said. The normally tranquil no-wake zone was now a scene of potential chaos.
The story behind the runaway boat was a mix of unfortunate events and quick thinking. The boat’s operator, a sailing instructor, was in the middle of a lesson when a student’s sailboat tipped over. As the instructor reached into the water to grab a tennis ball used for teaching, the sailboat’s mast collided with the motorboat’s throttle, sending the instructor overboard and the boat into a spiral of uncontrolled movement.
The situation was precarious. With the boat out of control and multiple children in sailboats and other vessels nearby, the potential for a terrible accident was high. “That boat was under power, throttled up,” Bono explained. “Motors on boats are like meat grinders, they’re not very forgiving if someone gets hit.” The scene was a textbook example of how quickly a peaceful day on the water can turn into a nightmare.
- A peaceful day by the lake turned into a dramatic scene when a boat started spinning out of control with no one at the helm on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
- The chaotic situation was caused by a sailing instructor’s sailboat colliding with the motorboat’s throttle, sending the instructor overboard and the boat into a spiral of uncontrolled movement.
- With multiple children in sailboats and other vessels nearby, the potential for a serious accident was high due to the boat being under power and throttled up.
- Brady Procon, a 17-year-old with a brave spirit, emerged as a hero by jumping aboard the runaway boat and cutting the engine, preventing disaster just in time.
- Procon’s quick thinking and courage showcased how one person’s actions can make a significant difference in averting a potential tragedy on the water.
A Hero Emerges: Brady Procon Takes Action
But then, amidst the chaos, a hero emerged. Brady Procon, a 17-year-old with a cool head and a brave spirit, sprang into action. He hopped on the back of his neighbor’s personal watercraft and, with the speed of a seasoned waterman, they pulled alongside the runaway boat.
Procon, a future member of the U.S. Navy, didn’t hesitate. He jumped aboard the runaway boat, a calculated risk that could have easily gone wrong. In a tense moment, he managed to cut the engine, bringing the boat to a stop just before disaster struck. “Brady was a hero,” Bono said.
The scene was captured on video, a testament to Procon’s quick thinking and courage. “I’d do it again,” Procon told WMUR-TV, his voice calm despite the adrenaline rush. His nonchalant response speaks volumes about his character, a young man who faced danger with a cool head and a willingness to help.
Procon’s actions highlight the importance of quick thinking and bravery in moments of crisis. He didn’t wait for someone else to intervene; he took charge and acted decisively. His courage saved lives, potentially preventing a tragic accident on a beautiful summer day.
Lessons Learned: Safety on the Water
The incident on Lake Winnipesaukee serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safety on the water. It highlights the need for boaters to be vigilant, to be aware of their surroundings, and to take precautions to prevent accidents.
Here are some key safety tips for boaters:
- Always wear a life jacket, even if you’re just going for a short ride.
- Never leave the boat unattended while the engine is running.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for other boats and obstacles.
- Know how to operate your boat safely and how to respond to emergencies.
- Check your boat’s equipment regularly, including the engine, steering, and safety gear.
- Never operate your boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Have a plan for emergencies and know how to contact the Coast Guard or other emergency services.
By following these safety tips, you can help to make boating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The incident on Lake Winnipesaukee serves as a stark reminder that even on a seemingly peaceful day on the water, accidents can happen. But with a little bit of caution and preparedness, we can minimize the risk and ensure that our time on the water is safe and memorable.
Beyond the Headlines: The Power of Community
The story of Brady Procon is more than just a tale of a teenager’s bravery; it’s a testament to the strength of a community. Bono, the witness who captured the dramatic scene on video, was not just an observer; he was a concerned citizen who acted swiftly to ensure that the authorities were alerted.
The actions of these individuals, along with the quick response of local authorities, highlight the importance of community involvement in ensuring safety. In the aftermath of the incident, the community rallied around Procon, praising his quick thinking and acknowledging his heroic actions.
This story reminds us that a community is more than just a collection of individuals; it’s a network of people who care about each other and who are willing to step up in times of need. The incident on Lake Winnipesaukee is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in our communities, to be the heroes of our own stories, and to help ensure that our communities are safe and thriving.
The next time you’re out on the water, remember the story of Brady Procon. His courage and quick thinking serve as an inspiration to us all. We can all learn from his example, taking precautions and being prepared to act in moments of crisis. We can all be heroes, not just on the water, but in our everyday lives, making a difference in our communities and helping to create a safer and more caring world.
