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It took Coast Guardman Tom Rau more than 20 years to compile the Boat Smart Chronicles both as a boating safety columnist and as a Coast Guard rescue responder. This dual effort has resulted in a one-of-a kind boating safety guide. Tom is absolutely convinced that whom ever shall read the Chronicles will be a far safer boater whether an old salt or novice boater. |
You can also order the book on line at: Amazon Books, Barns & Noble, Borders or Google. If ordering from your local bookstore, the book order number is Seaworthy Publications number: ISBN 1-892399-23-7. The book distributors are: Ingram Book Group and Partners.
Here's what others- including leading maritime authorities- are saying about the Boat Smart Chronicles.
"This book is a must read for every boater who ventures more than 100 ft. from the dock. Boaters and landlubbers alike will enjoy the many great stories about marine rescues. A wonderful book from a man who knows what he's talking about."
Jim Shepard Past Commander Grand Rapids United States Power Squadron,
2003 Winner of the Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching
"I am extremely pleased to see that Tom Rau has taken the time to put forward a lasting collection of his fabulous 'Boat Smart' stories. A man with a wealth of experience on the water and lessons to be shared, he offers timely, life-saving advice to boaters in a down to earth, conversational manner that makes it easy to understand and enjoyable to follow. Boaters have been looking forward to reading his weekly column for years and now stand to benefit by having his timeless words of wisdom at their finger tips on a lasting basis."
Anthony Popiel, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
"This safe-boating 'guide' should be mandatory reading for anyone who takes to the water. The book not only offers life-saving advice for today's boater but for future generations of boaters and water enthusiasts. It is truly a timeless American classic much like Richard Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast." An absolute must read."
Paul Layendecker, Stations Manager, The Radio Stations of Southwest Michigan
Producer, Boat Smart radio messages
"You won't believe the boating stories Senior Chief Rau so masterfully tells. Read, laugh and weep, but foremost learn so Lake Michigan doesn't devour you and yours."
Chief Todd Reed USCGR (ret), 30-year Coast Guard Lake Michigan motor lifeboat coxswain.
"Excellent, a must read for anyone who goes to sea and should be a required read for beginning boaters. Great Lakes Maritime Academy will use this book in conjunction with our survival training classes."
Rear Admiral, John Tanner, Superintendent, Great Lakes Maritime Academy
"As former Coast Guard Ninth District and Atlantic Area Commander, I often received reports of avoidable deaths and injuries on the water. I urge that anyone young or old, experienced or novice who lives or plays on or near the water to take this book to heart. It's an once of prevention that could well save your life."
Vice Admiral Jim Hull, US Coast Guard (ret)
"Few books have ever told the story of the Inland Seas as such. This written compilation of honest, life-saving observations represents two decades in the making by a true sailor-turned-author. Senior Chief Tom Rau's stories will make you laugh and cry, but most of all, they will make you think. Yes, this book will entertain you alright, but if you pay attention to its many lessons, it also may save your life. This book is that important."
David L. Barber Managing Editor, Manistee New Advocate
"While this book concentrates on boating in Lake Michigan, its lessons apply to all boaters everywhere. US Coast Guard Senior Chief Tom Rau's extensive experience in search and rescue and boating safety education is evident. There is a life-saving lesson in every story he tells. Though Tom has retired from the USCG, he will undoubtedly continue to save lives through this book."
Richard Hubbard, author of "Boater's Bowditch."
"Regardless of your level of experience with boats or around water, this book will definitely increase your situational awareness of the marine environment and its many challenges and dangers!"
Capt. Dean G. Hobbs, Past Grand Lodge President International Ship Masters Association, Senior Capt. S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Car Ferry
"The Boat Smart Chronicles,' unlike many other books, is not comprised of "urban legend," Instead these stories provide real life examples of the ease in which, what usually starts out to be an enjoyable day on the water, turns into a tragic life altering event! All those who enjoy the Great Lakes one of our most precious of natural resources must include this book as required reading."
Lt. Earl W. Zuelke Jr. (retired), Commanding Officer Chicago Police Marine Unit
"Their folksy tone bolstered by fascinating detail and eyewitness accounts, Tom Rau's stories of inland sea survival -- and disaster -- have thrilled me for years. Now collected and enhanced in "The Boat Smart Chronicles," Rau's cautionary tales are a must-read for any would-be boater -- and a captivating read for anyone, even a non-boater like me."
Ben Beversluis, Lakeshore Editor, The Grand Rapids Press
"I strongly urge all boaters, fisherman, snowmobilers and anyone else that spends time on the water or ice to read this book. It could very well save your life. Senior Chief Tom Rau has put a collective life time of boating lessons learned the-hard-way by boaters into this book. . This book says it all! "
Director of Flight Operations, County Rescue Services, Green Bay Wisconsin/former United States Marine Corp Combat Pilot (Author's note: the Marine Corp awarded George the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 34 combat Air Medals)
"As I read "Boat Smart Chronicles", I found myself shaking my head knowing it's a true miracle that far more boaters haven't died. Hopefully this remarkable exposé on recreational boating will lead to educational measures that have safe-guarded scuba divers for years."
Vickie M. Annis, Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Professional Association of Diving Instructors
"In 'The Boat Smart Chronicles' Tom Rau tells stories of wayward boaters so amazing that this book could be called Tom Rau's Believe It or Not. Sadly, the stories are true. The importance of the lessons he shares are made clear by the tales of what happens when inexperienced, unknowledgeable, uncaring, unaware or inebriated boaters take to the lakes. All hands on deck to read "The Boat Smart Chronicles" before another boating season begins."
Steve Begnoche
Managing editor, Ludington (Michigan) Daily News
"If you're not a far-safer boater after reading these unbelievable tales of boater screw ups with valuable lessons learned then I urge you to stay off the water if not but for the sake of your loved ones."
Chief Jeffrey Miller, USCG (ret), motor lifeboat coxswain, search and rescue station manager, Group Grand Haven search and rescue coordinator.
"Boat Smart Chronicles' is an excellent resource for all boaters; paddle, sail, and power. It will encourage you to think about your safety practices and what you would do if put in any of these situations. Whether new to boating or an old salt, there is much to be learned from Tom's firsthand experiences."
Eric Lind — Secretary, Traverse Area Community Sailing — Race Chair & Past Commodore, Grand Traverse Yacht Club — Senior Race Officer, United States Sailing Association
"Senior Chief Rau's words take you right into the heart of the storm. That he has been there so many times himself more than validates his message. This book is for real and if wise enough to follow its wisdom your safety on the water is all but guaranteed."
Donna Hallin, Division Captain, 9th Central District Division 20,
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
"The Boat Smart Chronicles, wow, can all these stories be true? Believe me they are. I know firsthand as a Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat Surfman with 20 years of answering the call. This book should be mandatory reading for every boater in order to avoid becoming yet another tragic 'Boat Smart' story."
Chief Boatswain Mate Anthony W. Fiore Jr. USCG (ret), Fleet Captain Annis Water Resources Institute- Grand Valley State University
"Tom Rau's Boat Smart Chronicles clearly reveal the average recreational boaters is dangerously uneducated. As a Michigan Conservation Officer with nearly 26 years of experience on the water Rau's stories of boaters shortcomings are all too familiar. I have seen where a lack of boating knowledge can quickly turn a peaceful summer boating day into a personal hell. Hopefully, everyone who reads this book will come away with a profound respect for boating and its many subtle dangers."
Captain John Watson, Society of Marine Surveyors, Michigan DNR Officer (ret)
"Historically, most of those who "went down to the sea in boats" were skilled mariners. Today all it takes is money and few if any skills. Tom Rau's Boat Smart Chronicles reveals that this is often a hard way and even fatal way to approach boating. For certain, it's ways that mariners of old would find incomprehensible."
Steve Herald, President Association for Great Lakes Maritime History
 Grand Haven, Michigan |
 Chicago |
 Sleeping Bear Dunes |
 Car Ferry Badger, Ludington Harbor |
 Muskegon, Harbor |
 Grand Traverse Bay |
 Beaver Island |
 Sailboat, Lake Michigan |