The Creek Critic- Part II: Proper dock etiquette is the neighborly way

Years ago, Clements Ferry ran between St. Thomas Parish and what is now North Charleston, powered by oars and the tide. In 1829 it cost $0.31 and a half cents for a foot passenger to travel on the ferry, or $0.62 and a half cents if he chose to bring a horse. We often imagine this history during a nightly happy hour ritual during which we’ve had the privilege to enjoy a unique vantage point to modern day creek traffic, which, as it turns out, is MUCH different than the days of a tide-powered ferry. Through this experience we’ve created a character who critiques the comings and goings that we have donned “The Creek Critic.”

Dock Etiquette: There are a variety of scenarios in which one approaches a dock in the Lowcountry. It’s standard etiquette to travel with no wake as one passes a dock. Now, if a dock does not have a boat tied to it, little damage is done by putting off a small wake. But the dock still bangs its pilings if one passes too quickly. If a boat is tied to the dock, then it may sustain damage if a passerby’s wake is too large. The scenario that we’ve recently encountered is that some boaters are choosing to pass the dock a full speed when our boat is tied to the dock, AND our children (and often dog) are on the dock or in the water nearby. We attempt to wave our arms (often looking like an ostrich unsuccessfully trying to fly) in a request to slow down but often we get puzzled looks or even sometimes aggressive responses.

Creek Critic Says: Two Thumbs Down to folks who refuse to abide by basic creek etiquette.

Friendly Neighbors: We often exchange pleasantries with familiar boaters. It’s usually a friendly wave, a smile and sometimes a quick recap of the day’s boating adventure. The opportunity to interact with members of our community during such a pleasant activity is something that we treasure. It’s heart-warming to hear of someone’s “catch of the day” or thrilling tubing outing. 

On the flip side, there are periodically boaters who stare directly at us like zoo animals with no wave, no smile and certainly no friendly banter. Sometimes they simply point at us. This is particularly awkward. These folks are certainly within their right not to engage, and one never knows what someone else is going through at any time. So, we usually take the lack of engagement as a sign that they may have had a “terror at sea” experience and are still collecting themselves.

Creek Critic Says: One Thumb Up for a Wave and Two for a Smile. No Thumbs for dumbfounded staring, and One Thumb Down for pointing.

The Gator: We all know that alligators are part of the Lowcountry experience. While they typically inhabit freshwater ponds, they certainly spend time cruising our saltwater creeks. Recently a 9-foot gator floated by just as our son threw a tennis ball into the creek for our chocolate lab (who is not coincidentally named Beresford.)

Luckily for us, the gator did not make an aggressive charge toward our pup. We were able to direct our children and dog to get out of the creek and alertly stand on high ground ready to move away from the water quickly if necessary. Being aware of the water and its inhabitants is an important piece of staying safe. Despite that simple concept, I must admit that my adrenaline was pumping wildly during the encounter!

Creek Critic Says: Two Thumbs Down for aggressive gator behavior but Two Thumbs Up for respecting our natural neighbors.

As the weather warms, we’re looking forward to seeing more neighbors safely enjoying our waterways. Until then, don’t forget to save us the aisle seat — er, creekside dock bench.