Coast Guard Auxiliary Takes Spring Break Seriously

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

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

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

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…

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

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

 

 

 

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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