Local Sailor Named to Los Angeles County Small Craft Harbor Commission

The newest appointee to the commission that advises the county on Marina del Rey operations has an extensive background as a sailing instructor, boating safety advocate and would like to see more people try the sport.

David Lumian was recently appointed to the Los Angeles County Small Craft Harbor Commission by Los Angeles County 2nd District Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.

Lumian is best known as a teacher of sailing instructors for the American Sailing Association. He holds more than 30 clinics a year worldwide, recently certifying instructors at a U.S. Naval base in Japan.

He’s also involved in the ASA effort to cut the number of annual deaths in the United States from boating, which stubbornly lingers at around 700 a year. Lumian blames the fatalities on drinking and boating, not wearing life jackets, and a lack of education.

With his recent appointment, Lumian could well have a big impact on the sport he loves in his new role as a commision member. He’s actually had a lot of experience interacting with government, doing the ASA’s “government and regulatory liaison work for the group’s 300 sailing schools,” he said.

Ridley-Thomas has known and worked with Lumian for 30 years.

“I am very pleased to have David Lumian represent the Second District on the Small Craft Harbor Commission,” said Ridley-Thomas at Lumian’s appointment. “His background and expertise on matters that impact the boating community and the Marina at large will bring a well-balanced and thoughtful perspective to the commission.”

“The Small Craft Harbor Commission is a group that advises the supervisors on Marina del Rey operations including leases and development,” Lumian said.

He raised the idea of getting on the commission, but he’s not getting rich from his involvement.

“I get paid $25 per meeting,” he said.

Born in Santa Monica, Lumian has been sailing since he was eight. His two boys sail and Lumian is proud of his 8-year-old son's sailing skills.

“Sailing is a wonderful sport, more people are doing it, although it is a difficult time for sailors these days because of prices and the economy. Much of the younger generation is putting its emphasis elsewhere,” he said

Lumian sees his position on the commission as an opportunity to get more people involved in sailing, kayaking and boating in the marina. He was a co-founder of the joint program of Fairwind Yacht Clubs and the Boys and Girls Club of Venice to teach .

“The Boy’s and Girls’ club is one institution that supports kids from more challenged socio-economic backgrounds opening the sport to all,” he said.

“Marina del Rey needs updating in facilities and amenities. It has to be done in a responsible fashion that doesn’t displace current boaters. In fact we have to open it up to new generation,” he said.

Lumian supports the Marina del Rey upgrade recently approved by county supervisors.

“It’s necessary. Boats have gotten wider and longer. The ramps in the marina aren’t in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

He said that he'd like to see sailing in the marina opened up to more people with disabilities.

“One of ASA’s schools is called 'Shake a leg.' It was started by a guy who is a paraplegic. Sailing provides the disabled with a range of power and control not accessible to them for most of the rest of their lives,” Lumian said.

Ultimately, Lumian said he’d like to see Marina del Rey have boats available for many different kinds of recreational activities.

“I’d also like to see a community boating center for new people who have never been boating before,” he said.