Beer, boats and bad behavior

How irresponsible was it to show a picture of the guy in the driver’s seat of the boat while holding a can of beer (cover photo, Aug. 24)? Was it last summer three kids from Orange County died on the Colorado River when a drunk guy in a boat plowed them over?

The Times can’t seem to get the idea that publishing such a photo is a bad idea. But hey, it’s all about fun in the sun, I guess.

Vic Murillo

Ocean Beach, Calif.

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Aug. 24 was my brother-in-law’s 40th birthday, but instead of celebrating with him the family has been to church to pray for him. He was killed in an alcohol-related boating accident seven years ago.

Mark Bauman

Dana Point

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Having learned to water-ski at Lake Havasu in the mid-’70s, I was appalled, but not surprised, to see what a party zone it has become (“The Capital of Cutting Loose,” Aug. 24).

Your story read like a script for a bad “Porky’s” movie. (Is there a good “Porky’s” movie?)

It’s a pity this place has become known as the “scene” rather than for its natural, pristine (and quiet) beauty.

Jeanine D’Elia

Granada Hills

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Regarding “Stern Alert” (Aug. 24): A sticker that says “Stay off and keep away from boarding platform while engine is running” misses the point.

It appears to be a clear reference to the danger of the propeller. Something needs to mention carbon monoxide and that three breaths of it can kill you.

The more efficient the engine, the less smell is going to accompany the odorless gas.

Chuck Hosmer

Laguna Niguel