by Brad
Saturday was a very interesting day on the lake. Lots of lessons learned. The forecast for the day had a 20 percent chance of rain, 3-8mph winds from the south/ south west, and temps were supposed to rise into the high 90's by 1pm. We got a late start on the first race because as Roland and I were finishing up setting the course for the current southwest breeze the winds shifted to be out of the the north. We quickly changed the start line to be what was the jibe mark and got 8 butterflies started at about 11am in 3-4 mph winds. The winds swirled around a bit during the race but held direction for the most part. Frank came in first, with Bruce right behind him.
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| Frank and Bruce battling. |
While getting in place for the start of the second race the winds shifted to be from the south and looked to be holding. We decide to chase the wind (usually not a wise decision) and reset the start to be what was the leeward mark on the first race. While waiting for the fleet to get to the start line we thought we had really made a bad decision as the winds started to swirl again. However during the 5 min sequence the winds shifted back and held from the south for most of the race. To be fair to the sailors, its always worth adjusting the course, if time and weather will allow. On our little lake it can be a gamble, but following your gut might be the only thing you can rely on in determining whether to adjust the course.
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| Race 2 Start |
With temps rising and wind dwindling we decided to take the normal lunch break and see if conditions would improve for a third race. While cooling down at the WRBC clubhouse we watched the winds die to about 1-2 mph and the lake become on large sheet of glass. The third race was abandoned so we enjoyed a little more time chatting and telling stories in the shade. As Roland and I went to pick up the marks, the lake was as still as it could be. Several kayaks, canoes, and paddle boarders were taking advantage of the conditions.
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| Conditions at 1:45pm as we picked up the marks |
The rescue boat was stored and most of the butterflyers were headed home at about 2pm. At 3pm a quick forming storm came through the East Dallas area slamming into the lake with 30+ mph winds and rain. Several of the paddlers were still on the water. A 55 year-old father and his 21 year-old son were paddle boarding in the south end of the lake. In a tragic set of events, both were knocked into the water by the high winds and waves. The son was able to make it to shore but the father was still missing after going under the water. It is unclear if either was wearing a life jacket. Dive teams called off the search at sundown on Saturday. While searching the lake on Sunday they found the body early in the morning.
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| Conditions around 3:30 pm - Dallas Fire-Rescue swift water rescue team (Photo: WFAA) |
This set of events is a reminder of how quick conditions can change and that White Rock Lake is not just a "neighborhood pond". Most of us have taken the liberty to not wear a life jacket when it is so hot and winds are low, this situation should remind everyone to always be prepared for anything. Our thoughts and prayers are with the man's family and friends.
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| Wind Graph from Saturday July 07, 2012 |
