Safety must be number one for fuel dock

I am a member of Olympia Area Rowing (OAR).

Last Sunday (June 12th) I spent three hours on our dock located across from the public boat launch at Swantown Marina assisting with a learn to scull/row class. I tried to visualize what the area will be like when (if) a fuel dock is located beside the pump out station. We had six new rowers out with four experienced rowers and a launch. I saw all kinds of power boats launching, boats coming out from the docks to the south, a very large sail boat practicing getting into and out of the slip, plus kayakers, and paddle boarders.

There is a dock for sea planes and large yachts parked on both sides of the breakwater and a large barge parked on the north side.

I tried to visualize what it will be like – especially at low tide - when you add boats of all sizes wanting to fuel, the junior OAR program that has 70+ rowers, and the Olympia Parks kayaking program, all trying to use the same space and often at the same time.

A lot of different activities in such a small space! Has anyone taken the time to analyze the number of people and water vehicles using the space? The safety of all the people and all the activities must be the deciding factor, not the cost of the fueling dock and how it’s paid for, and not whether the Port can make a profit.

This story was originally published June 18, 2016 at 8:26 AM with the headline "Safety must be number one for fuel dock."