US Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs

Coast Guard Auxiliary Takes Spring Break Seriously

2010-03-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Date:
29 March, 2010
Contact:
Kirk Scarborough
USCG Auxiliary Public Affairs Dept.
Email: Captkirk55@aol.com

Press Release

Coast Guard Auxiliary Takes Spring Break Seriously

The Coast Guard Auxiliary encourages Life Jackets be worn during spring break, as the season begins to thaw out from winter. Boating is a big part of Spring break celebrations. And wearing a life jacket while having fun on the water makes good sense. Today’s life jackets are technologically advanced, making them more comfortable and less restrictive.

Of the boating fatalities that occurred in 2009, 67 percent of the victims drowned. Of that group, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Knowing how to swim is one of the most common reasons given for not wearing a life jacket and gives boaters a false of security. Often the victim has a serious injury or is knocked unconscious and cannot swim. Other factors that can affect swimming ability include cold water immersion, heavy cloths and alcohol consumption. Be sure to check local and state laws that regulate rivers, lakes and oceans.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is now recruiting members to help support Life Saving Education and prevention. For More information: www.auxpa.org

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the uniformed civilian, volunteer Component of Team Coast Guard assists the active duty Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

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UPCOMING NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

2010-03-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

Date: 10 February, 2010
Aux. Kirk Scarborough
Public Affairs Officer
Captkirk55@aol.com
714 777-2300

Press Release
UPCOMING NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK

Long Beach, CA --- It’s almost time for the recreational boating “fleet” to come out of mothballs to enjoy good times in the sun and on the water! So it is time to remind the public that safe boating will lead to more enjoyable outings.

National Safe Boating Week is May 22 – 28. During this week, look for events in your community hosted by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Attend one and learn what you and your families can do to be safe and to enhance your recreational experience on the water.

4,789 boating accidents were reported in 2008, leading to 709 deaths, 3,331 injuries, and an estimated $54 million of damage to property, according to Coast Guard statistics. Over 2/3 of all fatal boating accident victims were the result of drowning, and of these, 90% were not wearing a life jacket.

What can you do to be safe on the water?

Take a boating safety class. Find local course listings at http://www.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html .

Get a free vessel safety check. Find a qualified examiner at http://www.safetyseal.net/GetVSC/

Ensure that everyone aboard your boat wears a life jacket. http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org

Don’t forget to watch for, and participate, in National Safe Boating Week! www.safeboatingcampaign.com

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The 30,000 volunteer members (men and women), America’s Volunteer Guardians, support the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service’s missions.

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Comfortable Life Jackets: NOT an Oxymoron

2010-03-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

Tom Loughlin
Public Affairs Officer
tom-bon@msn.com

News Release

Comfortable Life Jackets: NOT an Oxymoron

Most of us have seen the life jackets worn on cruise ships. They are big and bulky and really ugly. But if that ship sinks out to sea that really ugly and bulky life jacket will save your life.

Hey, wait a minute. You aren’t out to sea and you don’t need to wear one of those big ones. But what do you wear to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones?

Most of us enjoy boating on lakes or within a few miles of dry land. Most of us know that 70-80% of fatal boating accidents victims died by drowning and that 85-90% of them drowned because they were not wearing a life jacket. Some of us even know that well over 400 lives could have been saved last year if life jackets had been worn. Then why don’t we wear life jackets whenever we are on the water?

We say “they’re bulky,” “they get in the way,” or “they are uncomfortable” to explain why we don’t wear a life jacket all the time, knowing that not wearing a life jacket has led to lives lost. These words have been a poor excuse for way too long. Now we have the best of all worlds. Now we can protect ourselves and those we love without sacrificing comfort.

Inflatable life jackets! They are approved for adults 16 years and older and come in so many colors and styles that you will have a hard time choosing the one you want.

The lightweight inflatable life jacket totally eliminates the excuse that wearing a life jacket is awkward or clumsy or cumbersome. Some are worn as a belt with a “fanny pack.” Most are rather like suspenders but with the value of being able to save your life. Fishermen and for hunters will appreciate special inflatable vests (oh yes, some hunters get to their hunting sites by water). These have extra pockets and loops for their gear and even come in camouflage colors. All of these life jackets can be brought on board aircraft if you’re flying to a boating, hunting or fishing destination.

The costs, especially in comparison to the value of your life or the lives of loved ones, are negligible. Inflatable life jackets for lakes and close inshore that are CO2 activated by pulling a lanyard will cost less than $100.00; those for offshore with automatic inflation and providing more buoyancy can range up to $200.00.

All inflatable life jackets can also be manually inflated by blowing into a tube near the wearer’s mouth. Children, and adults who are poor or non-swimmers, should continue to use the inherently buoyant Type II life jackets because in a stressful situation such as being unexpectedly thrown overboard they might forget to activate the pull cord to trigger the CO2 cartridge. www.safeboatingcampaign.com

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer civilians who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation’s waterways, in classrooms and on the dock, performing safety patrols, vessel safety examinations and public education. The 30,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

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FUNDAMENTALS OF RESPONSIBLE BOATING

2010-03-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

Date: February 10, 2010

Aux. Doug Edelman
Public Affairs Officer
edeldoug@charter.net
636-379-0877
http://auxpa.org

Press Release

FUNDAMENTALS OF RESPONSIBLE BOATING

Each year the US Coast Guard Auxiliary partners with the National Safe Boating Council and other organizations during National Safe Boating Week and throughout the year, to promote safe and responsible boating. We would like to remind the boating public that their safety depends on these FUNDAMENTALS.

Life Jackets Save Lives

In 2005, Coast Guard Statistics[1] indicate that drowning was the cause of 70% of that year’s boating fatalities, and 87% of the drowning victims were not wearing their life jackets at the time. The Coast Guard estimates that 426 lives could have been saved in 2005 if these boaters had followed the first Fundamental Principle: WEAR IT!

While boating fatalities have been steadily decreasing over the past several years, many more would be prevented if everyone wore their life jacket every time they get out on the water. Life jackets save lives!

Boater Education Saves Lives

Missouri’s Mandatory Boater Education Law took effect January 1, 2005, and requires that every Missouri resident born after January 1, 1984 who operates a vessel on Missouri lakes must carry a boating safety identification card issued by the State Water Patrol and a valid photo ID. This includes personal watercraft like Jet-Skis. The boating safety ID card indicates successful completion of a boating safety education course.

Members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be offering the “boating courses”. Successful completions of this course will not only earn the boating safety ID card, but will give your invaluable information, which will help you remain safe on the water.

Course Preregistration is necessary. Sign up or for more information by contacting www.auxpa.org

Safe Boats Save Lives

Know the federal and state requirements for operating a vessel, and make sure your boat or personal watercraft is in compliance. Have a Vessel Safety Check performed to ensure that your vessel meets these requirements and has all the necessary safety equipment on board and in good condition.

Members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will be conducting free Vessel Safety Checks. If you will not be available at this time, you can schedule a check by contacting www.cgaux.org

Sober Boating Saves Lives

Approximately one third of all recreational boating fatalities involve alcohol. Alcohol affects vision, coordination, balance and judgment. Alcohol will impair your ability to safely operate your boat even more than it impairs your ability to drive a car.

It is not just the operator drinking that poses a risk. It is dangerous for your passengers to drink on the water as well!

Alcohol's effect on your BALANCE can be critical on a boat. When you are "tipsy", the unstable, moving platform of the boat can easily cause you to fall overboard.

Alcohol also reduces your body's ability to protect you against the cold water. When you’ve been drinking, the numbing effects of cold water occur much faster than when you are sober. Within minutes, you may not be able to call for help, swim to a float, or reach the safety of the boat.

To learn more about boater education, Vessel Safety Checks and other services provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary – or if you are interested in learning how to become one of us – please visit us online at www.cgaux.org

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer civilians who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation’s waterways, in classrooms and on the dock, performing safety patrols, vessel safety examinations and public education. The 30,000 members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions. www.safeboatingcampaign.com

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Boating Statistics – 2005; 47th Annual Report, United States Coast Guard, Commandant Publication P16754.19, August 31, 2006

Holiday Gifts for your nautical loved one or two…

2009-11-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

News Release

Contact: Wayne Spivak,
Public Affairs Officer
USCG Auxiliary
516-353-9155
WSpivak@sbanetweb.com

Holiday Gifts for your nautical loved one or two…

The holiday season is upon us again, all across the land both sailor,fisherman, power boater and jet skier are thinking of holiday treats.

So, what should you get your loved one who has the nautical bug?

With tight budgets, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary has some holiday ideas for you. Since the major mission of the Auxiliary is recreational boating safety, our suggestions will have safety of your loved one in mind.

We’re going to group them into three categories, under $200, under $50 and priceless.

For those whose budget is not so constrained, here are a few ideas at under $200:

A four pack of Type III life jackets with holding bag
A commercially prepared first aid kit
A 12-gauge Flare gun
Throw ropes
Overboard poles
Radar Reflector
Safety harness
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fuel vapor detectors (although your nose is the best detector)

For under $50, you can get these types of gifts:

A personal strobe for your life jacket
Personal marker lights (chemical lightstick)
Safety whistle
Safety netting
Type IV life saving devices
Push button portable air horn

Items that are priceless:

One of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary boating courses:

Multi-session courses:

Boating Safely
Boating Skills & Seamanship
Sailing Skills & Seamanship
Weekend Navigator

Seminars:

About Boating Safely
GPS for Mariners
How to Read a Nautical Chart
Personal Water Craft Safety
Suddenly in Command

And for the kids:

Boating Fun
Waypoints

Last item – becoming a member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and giving back to the community.

For more information on USCG Auxiliary courses, go to: http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/.

To join the Auxiliary, go to: http://join.cgaux.org/

From the 30,808 members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, have a safe and happy holiday season.

USCG Live Streaming Commandant's Remarks from Innovation Expo

2009-11-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the Coast Guard Innovation Expo, we are taking advantage of the unique opportunities available here at the expo to test cutting edge technology… we are going to live stream the video of the Commandant’s closing remarks at the expo.

The webcast will go live at 10:30 a.m. EST tomorrow, November 19th, and will be viewable on the Coast Guard Intranet as well as the Internet.

We are testing several ways to watch the video including on the iPhone! FYI, until the sites go live tomorrow, they may be inactive.

Here are your options:
www.uscg.mil/innovation/webcast.asp
www.livestream.com/USCoastGuardaux
iphone.livestream.com/USCoastGuardaux

This is a test to determine the Coast Guard's ability to deliver a webcast within our network.

Coast Guard Auxiliary warns boaters of cold water immersion

2009-11-17T08:51:00.001-08:00

News Release

November 16, 2009

Contact: Anthony Turner
Public Affairs Officer
310-488-0723
anthony.j.turner@uscg.mil
http://www.news.auxpa.org/

Coast Guard Auxiliary warns boaters of cold water immersion

WASHINGTON - Winter boating season is upon us and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is reminding boaters about the risk of cold water immersion. The ocean and lake temperatures are their coldest this time of year and even a strong swimmer can experience difficulty if they accidentally find themselves in cold water.

“When boaters fall into cold water, it can take just a few minutes before their ability to swim and rescue themselves becomes compromised. The real risks can take effect in the first few seconds,” said California Department of Boating and Waterways Director Raynor Tsuneyoshi. “The use of a life jacket increases their survival.”

The effects of cold water immersion are predictable and well documented by Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, a thermophysiologist with the University of Manitoba and a world expert on freezing to death through his 1-10-1 principle:

1 minute: Upon accidental immersion the body reacts with an involuntary GASP followed by hyperventilation of up to 10 times regular breathing. If your head is underwater during that initial deep gasp you can inhale enough water to drown. Do not panic. Breathing will return to close to normal.
10 minutes: In cold water a person will become INCAPACITATED to the point that the muscles in their limbs stop working and they will no longer be able to swim or rescue themselves. Try to rescue yourself before incapacitation becomes a factor and if you cannot, at least try to get as much of your body out of the water as possible to delay the onset of hypothermia.
1 hour: After an hour, depending on the water temperature, the body continues to cool and the resulting HYPOTHERMIA can create a range of symptoms from confusion to unconsciousness and eventually leading to death.

The best way to survive an accidental cold water immersion is to wear your life jacket. It will help keep your head above water in the event of an accidental immersion until you can get your breathing under control. It will also keep you afloat while you concentrate on rescuing yourself. If you are unable to rescue yourself, your life jacket can provide some thermal protection against the onset of hypothermia and keep you afloat until someone else can rescue you.

Boaters are also advised to file a float plan before heading out on the water.

The chances of successfully locating an overdue boat are much greater if the U.S. Coast Guard or other rescue agencies have certain facts about the boat trip that may be included on a float plan. For your own safety and before boating, file a float plan with a reliable person who will notify authorities if necessary.

For more information on safe boating or to fill out a float plan, please visit www.BoatSmarter.com <http://www.boatsmarter.com/> or call (888) 326-2822.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard created by an Act of Congress in 1939. The Auxiliary, America’s Volunteer Guardians, supports the Coast Guard in nearly all of the service's missions.

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USS New York Commissioning, a remembrance

2009-11-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Press Release
Contact: Wayne Spivak,
Public Affairs Officer
USCG Auxiliary
516-353-9155
WSpivak@sbanetweb.com

7-8 November 2009, New York: The USS New York was commissioned on November 7th, the final step in becoming a ship of war for the US Navy. This rite de passage culminates the years long path, from the naval architects’ drawing board to naming the vessel and finally the commission of this, the latest of Navy’s LPD’s. For those who don’t know, an LPD stands for Landing Ship Transport, Dock.

The LPD was first conceived during the Korean War, a conflict of yesteryear that seems so much more distant then our current conflicts in both tenor and locale. None the less, the USS New York is the twenty-first in the line of LPD’s. Thanks to former New York Governor George Pataki, this latest edition of the LPD was named in honor not only of New York State, but New York City and the men and women who lost their lives on September 11^th, 2001.

I watched on TV as the World Trade Centers were both hit by the terrorist’s hijacked planes, and as they crumbled. My fellow employees watched in terror as both towers crumbled from our office; I wasn’t in the office that day. Later I learned that someone I knew through a friend, and had met on many occasions was one of the casualties. Captain Kathy Mazza of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department died while creating an egress from the North Tower of the World Trade Center for those who were trapped with her. She succeeded in saving countless lives, but lost her own in performing her duties.

Captain Mazza responded to the World Trade Center, buildings owned and operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). They were protected by the PANYNJ’s own police department (PAPD). Captain Mazza responded after the first plane crashed into North Tower.

The USS New York has 7.5 tons of steel from both collapsed World Trade Centers in her bow. As you walk the ship, especially on the foc'sle or the forward part of the ship, you wouldn’t realize that those two giant edifices that defined the New York City skyline for so many years was part and parcel of this fine ship.

Every foot that the USS New York will transverse on our oceans is a testament to the men and women that not only worked in the World Trade Center but responded to the World Trade Center to protect and serve. As Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton stated in her speech during the Commissioning Ceremonies, "she carries the spine of New York".

The men and women of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department, the New York City Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service, as well as other emergency services personnel from federal, state and city agencies that responded that day are part of that spine of New York. And for those who lost their lives are now an integral part of the bow of the USS New York.

“…Preserve us from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our land may in peace and quietness serve thee our God; and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labour; and, with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies…” From the 1789 Book of Common Prayer.

I was honored to get a tour of our newest LPD on Sunday, November 8^th, 2009. Like her sister ships, she is well founded for her Naval mission; she’s ship-shape and in Bristol fashion, all terms that means she’s well equipped and ready for sea. She is a ship of the line and an ambassador of humanitarian aid. I know Captain Mazza would agree, as she was both a police officer and a nurse.

So what has the commission of the USS New York have to do with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary you say?

Everything! Because those who died in trying to save the victims of the terrorist onslaught at the World Trade Center and on the planes that perished here in New York, or in Pennsylvania or at the Pentagon are the American true heroes. Too often our media and cultural bias have brought forth to the forefront individuals either singularly or in groups who are neither heroes or to be revered. They are paid employees of money making enterprises. The men of women who were first responders gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to save the lives of Americans.

The USS New York also has meaning to the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary because several members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard Reserve perished that day at the World Trade Center, because they either worked in the buildings or responded as members of the emergency services of New York.

This ship means everything to the Auxiliary, in that eight years after that fateful day, Americans from all walks of life can volunteer their time, their energies, their backgrounds and diversity to help other Americans, by assisting them in times of peril, and protecting them through mitigation by providing educational courses to prevent accident and injury while enjoying recreational boating. Our members keep a daily vigilance on our enormous and generally unprotected Achilles heel, our coast line, looking for that which may pose a threat and reporting it to our law enforcement community.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the United Sates Coast Guard. Last year over 30,000 men and women donated in excess of 3 million hours of their time, energy and patriotism to protecting America from both its enemies and itself.

For the last seven years, member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary have taken their time, their vacations, and have taught over 170 police officers of the PAPD seamanship. These police officers man the boats of their marine bureau in order to respond to the possible downed airliner (such as US Airways Flight 1549). Both La Guardia and John F. Kennedy Airports; two the busiest airports in the nation; border large expanses of water. Without the USCG Auxiliary, the Port Authority could not have trained the number of police officers as they have in these past years.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary wishes the men and women of the USS New York calm seas, a safe voyage and should they enter harms way, good hunting.

Consider joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary today.
http:// join.cgaux.org

Photo Credits:
USCG Auxiliary Facility "Long Splice" photo by Launch 5 (http://launch5.com)
USS New York photo by Aux Ken Petretti taken aboard USCGAux Long Splice

U.S.S. New York entrance into New York City

2009-11-03T13:12:00.001-08:00

Press Release

Contact: Dee Thompson
Public Affairs Officer
732-321-0760
Scottieth@comcast.net
http://www.news.auxpa.org/

U.S.S. NEW YORK Entrance into New York City

NEW YORK – As the United States Navy’s newest naval assault vessel the USS New York sailed into New York Harbor on Monday, November 2, 2009 members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary were there to meet her, on the water as part of her safety patrol.

The USS New York was forged with 7.5 tons of steel salvaged from the 9/11 World Trade Center Disaster Site. The 684 foot long ship is capable of speeds in excess of 22 knots to land a surge of 800 US Marines. It carries two CH53E Super Stallion, Two MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, four CH-46 Sea Knight, Four AH-1 Sea Cobra or UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.

Built and christened in Louisiana, this ship made this voyage to New York for its formal Commissioning Ceremony that will take place on November 7^th. She is the fifth ship to be named for New York. Prior ships were a gondola (1776), a frigate (1800-1814), armored cruiser (1893-1938), and a battleship (1914-1946).

The USS New York sailed into New York harbor accompanied by vessels from the New York City Police and Fire Departments, the United States Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard Auxiliary as well as the US Army Corp of Engineer. US Coast Guard Auxiliary members manned not only the vessels “Lady B” and “Long Splice” but were also deployed on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Sturgeon Bay.

On September 11^th, 2001 the Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to the World Trade Center disaster in lower Manhattan by foot and boat. The Auxiliary had numerous vessels responding ferrying people, Coast Guardsman and supplies to and from lower Manhattan. Coast Guard Auxiliarists worked long tedious hours into the night, side by side with other first responders, during those extensive rescue efforts.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been actively supporting the waterways of this nation for 70 years and will continue to respond to any and all emergencies and support of the United States Coast Guard.

The USS New York mission of defending freedom around the globe is characterized by the ship’s moto – WE WILL NEVER FORGET! The victims and responders, including the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary will never forget or falter.

Coast Guard Auxiliary member stands watch as the USS New York sails by (USCGAUX photo)