Man’s body recovered after Lake Stevens boat accident

Published 6:32 pm Friday, August 20, 2010

LAKE STEVENS — Dave Balbirona, whose body was recovered late this afternoon in Lake Stevens after a boating accident Thursday, was a devoted rower and family man, friends said today.

A search for the 42-year-old Lake Stevens man continued Friday with dive teams probing the depths in the area where his racing shell was hit by a ski boat Thursday night.

Members of the Lake Stevens Rowing Club released a statement Friday afternoon, saying: “US Rowing and Lake Stevens Rowing Club offer our deepest sympathies and thoughts for the family and friends of Dave Balbirona, our rower lost to us in the unfortunate incident last evening.

“As the search and recovery efforts continue, his wife Leanne, their three daughters and son, hope and pray for a swift conclusion.”

Club members described Balbirona as “a devoted husband and adoring father” as well as an accomplished athlete and experienced rower who loved the outdoors, cycling and rowing.

Lake Stevens police are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision, which occurred around 7:40 p.m. Thursday near the lake’s north cove, a few hundred yards East Lakeshore Drive. The collision occurred just outside a No Wake Zone that stretches 800 meters out from shore, said Lake Stevens police officer Jim Barnes, who patrols the lake four days a week.

Technical water rescue teams from the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and Seattle police harbor patrol today joined crews from Lake Stevens police and fire in attempting to locate the victim.

Diving teams guided by sonar equipment took turns probing beneath the water’s surface near the lake’s north cove, a few hundred yards East Lakeshore Drive.

The accident occurred during an evening practice involving master rowers from the Lake Stevens Rowing Club, said Tony Scoringe, a spokesman for the club.

“It is just devastating to us,” he said.

Several racing shells were on the water along with two safety launch boats that were near the rowing teams. The ski boat, piloted by a 17-year-old Lake Stevens boy, was preparing to tow a wake boarder, officials said.

After the collision, coaches on one of the crew launches were able to immediately pull from the water a Snohomish woman, 50, Scoringe said. They were unable to find the other rower. Both, he said, were good athletes and experienced rowers.

The ski boat’s driver offered immediate assistance, contrary to early reports from officials Thursday evening, Scoringe said.

“It seems to be an unfortunate accident. I would liken it to the relationship between motor vehicles and bicycles,” Scoringe said. “It is a tragedy on all levels.”

Clint Houghton, 17, an incoming senior at Lake Stevens High School, said the boy who was driving the ski boat comes from a good family.

“He’s a really caring guy,” he said. “I’m sure he’s absolutely devastated.”

Boaters on the lake said the water can become particularly dangerous when the sun sets and the glare hinders visibility.

“There is so much reflection off the water,” said Shane McDaniel, a lifelong Lake Stevens resident. “You always have to be cautious.”

David Weaver, a father of two teens, also goes boating on the lake.

He said the sun, the height of the boat’s bow and the low profile of a rowing shell all could have contributed to the accident.

“It’s usually not just one thing,” Weaver said. “It’s usually several things. It’s just like a car. You can’t just look away.”

The accident is the worst on the lake since July 2009. That’s when a ski boat carrying 10 people flipped after being hit by a wave, tossing everyone into the water. The boat’s pilot drowned. Others in the boat made it to shore.