Just viewed the link AlanW.. OMG!! I feel so bad for this guy...
The one thing I do know about fishing and boating, in any form, is to expect the unexpected. I will say that having all my gear leashed/roped and tied was my only rule to myself before i was to get in the water..PLEASE LEARN FROM EXAMPLE NEW GUYS! LEASH ALL YOUR GEAR!! EVERY SINGLE THING!!!
I was going to take a safety course before I went out as well but everyone's informative posts on this site gave me a enough confidence to charge the LJ kelp.... For those that may be reading this that are not experienced and feeling confident, please note that I've been a surfer, free diver, boater and overall general waterman for over 28 years... Please respect the ocean, bays, lakes and rivers. We are but a flea on mother natures hide!! We can be easily scratched off...