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Clinton News-Record, 1984-07-11, Page 34Page 72 Harbor management is his life By Rod Hilts The way Thomas W. Castle describes how he enjoys his job exemplifies his personality and background. "If I didn't like the job I wouldn't be' here," Mr. Castle says in a stern voice, "It's part of my life." Mr. Castle has been managing the Bayfield Harbor for over three decades. During his reign over the harbor, Lake Huron and this man have blended together like bread and butter. His job is to enforce the government property traffic regulations in the harbor, regulations outlined by the Ministry of the Environment. Mr. - Castle refers to his job as _the "policeman of the Bayfield Harbor". His other duties include the management and maintenance of the marina for the Village of Bayfield and he looks after the navigation lights and fog horn on a tendered basis for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. "In all of the years I've been here, I haven't had to lay a charge," he said while knock}ng on his wooden desk for good luck. Mr. Castle describes the job as an off- shoot of his background as an independent fisherman. The life-long resident of Bayfield said his present job is "more a hobby" from his fishing days. A health problem eventually led to Mr. Castle's retirement from the fishing business. His job as Harbor Manager offers him a more convenient working situation and allows him to set his own working hours. "I like being around boats and water. It's the next best thing I can do when .I can't fish," he said. Family background played a major role in molding Mr. Castle's future. His father, the late Thomas W. Castle Sr., was the Lake Keeper in Bayfield for close to 30 years. His father was also a fisherman. Ironically, Mr. Castle Sr. was offered the job as Wharfinger (Guardian of the piers) of the Bayfield Harbor at an earlier time, but refused it. "It's sure not the money that's keeping me here. I like meeting people. I've met people that have been coming to this harbor for over 20 years. You don't know who you're talking to. They range from doctors to lawyers , and politicians: That's the way I like it," Mr. Castle explained. Since his inception as Wharfinger in the late 1940s to his present position as Harbor Manager, Mr. Castle has seen remarkable changes in the Bayfield Harbor. In 1950, he said,. the Bayfield Harbor had three pleasureboats docked. "Some say there are around 500 now," Mr. Castle said. "Maybe because I'm getting older there seems like there's more (boats), every year." The Bayfield Harbor is known as the biggest sailing and yachting centre on:the west side of Lake Huron. Four marinas in Bayfield handle the more than 600 boats that dock in the harbor each season, The boats range in size from 20 to 43 feet and cost anywhere from $20,000 to $200,000. lx is estimated that with seasonal and overnight guests, more than 2,000 boating enthusiasts visit ' the Bayfield m Harbor each sumer. "There's been a lot of changes in the harbor. Whether . they're good or bad, depends on how - you look at it," Mr. Castle said. He noted that development of the Bayfield Harbor really took off -around the 1960s. Today, he classifies the Bayfield Harbor "as the only port on Lake Huron". "Location wise, it's a nice safe harbor'and it's m a beautiful town. It's really put Bayfield on the map," Mr. Castle said with a tone of proudness in his voice. He said that he can't see the harbor expanding much more in the future. "I can't see how it's going to enlarge much more with the docking facilities available. Maybe 10 years from now nobody will want a boat. Maybe it'll be a rich man's game. It's just the same as the snowmobile when they first came out. They were just booming," Mr. Castle said. Mr. Castle explained that boating has developed into an expensive pastime. "If unemployment keeps rising I can't see it (boating) getting more popular. Boating is expensive. But my opinion compared with the rest of them is two different things." Aside from some of the more positive developments in the harbor over the years, Mr. Castle has witnessed more than his share of tragedies. and I "I remember some drowning don't bring up storms," Mr. Castle said quietly. He remembers the days when the fisherman served as the emergency rescue team, "The fisherman would never turn anybody down then and they would never turn anyone down today." Today, the Coast Guard stationed at the Goderich Harbor is available for rescue operations. Mr. Castle said that his future as Bayfield Harbor Manager vs, :11 depend on his health and if the Ministry's satisfied with his job performance. "You can't give up. I've seen too many people retire and do nothing and they're not with us today," Mr. Castle said. Tom Castle has been the Bayfield Harbor Manager for over three decades. He classifies the harbor as one of the safest and says, "it has really put Bayfield on the map". (Rod Hilts photo), Water wonders A dip in the lake can really do the trick. A bath or shower at the end of the day, can mean a good night's rest. But make sure the water temperature's tepid. Hot or cold extremes won't help. Life jacket safety Of some 130 Canadians who drown each year from boating mishaps, 80 per cent were not wearing lifejackets. The law requires that a Transport Canada approved lifejacket or lifesavingcushion, in serviceable condition, be provided, for each personaboard. Of course, non -swimmers and children should wear theirs at all times, and others when water conditions warrant. All pleasure craft must carry at least the • minimum, equipment required under Small Vessel and Collison Regulations. The Safe Boating Guide is available free of charge from The Publishing Centre, Supply and Services Canada, Hull, Quebec. K1A 0S9. It outlines what is needed for the size of boat you operate. Tom Castle has made the lake, the fish, the boats and the harbor his life. For the past 30 years he has supervised activities at the Bayfield .Harbor. For him, seeing the lake, dotted with gleaming sailboats, is a common site. (Shelley McPhee photo) Outboard care Use caution when starting an outboard motor - people are often tossed overboard, so keep seated and be sure the clutch is. disengaged and the throttle is in the "start position." Remember that a teaspoon of gasoline can have the explosive power of a stick of dynamite. Follow fuelling instructions to the letter.