22 New Coast Guard Auxiliary "Recruits" Sworn In!"

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

 

PRESS RELEASE

Date: 11 June 2008

Contact: Kirk Scarborough 
Public Affairs Officer
(714) 777-2300
Captkirk55@aol.com

YORBA LINDA, Calif. - The night of June 5^th, 2008 started the beginning for 22 new members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Commander Richard Symons, Director of Auxiliary for the 11^th Coast Guard District ( Southern Region) administer the Coast Guard Auxiliary Oath of Office. The new members and their families packed the conference room of the Yorba Linda Community Center, where the oath of office took place.

 

(pictured above: new members taking oath, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Kirk Scarborough, USCGAUX)

Commander Symons gave a brief presentation about the history of the U.S. Coast Guard and the formation of its Auxiliary. Commander Symons also talked about the specific missions performed by the Auxiliary over the past year. Nationally in 2007, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteered over 250,000 man-hours of service to the Coast Guard and our nation.

After being sworn in these twenty-two new members will become full fledge members of what is regarded as the “premiere” all-volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security and the nation.

Some of these members will teach boating safety classes, conduct vessel safety checks. Some will become Maritime Domain Awareness Inspectors. While others will become “Boat Crew” qualified for search and rescue missions or for those who are bi-lingual they may become interpreters. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has something to interest most everyone.

COAST GUARD TO CELEBRATE FLAG DAY IN MARINA DEL REY

U.S. Coast Guard               
Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach

Press Release

Date: June 10,2008

Contact:
U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs
Anthony Turner (310) 924-6028

COAST GUARD TO CELEBRATE FLAG DAY IN MARINA DEL REY

MARINA DEL REY, Calif. In celebration of Flag Day, June 14, 2008, the Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, an 87-foot cutter stationed at Marina Del Rey, will be open for tours along with a 47 foot “Motor Life Boat” from Station Channel Islands. There is also a planned search and rescue demonstration involving a Coast Guard HH-65C "Dolphin" Helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station - Los Angeles and rescue boats from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Bay Watch Lifeguards. The search and rescue demonstration is planned to take place at about 12:00 p.m. in Marina del Rey’s main channel across from the Sheriff's Station.

Boating safety experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, will also be on hand to inspect lifejackets and answer questions. The public is invited to bring their lifejackets for inspection.  Children's lifejackets that are found to be in disrepair will be exchanged for a new Coast Guard approved lifejacket (while supplies last, one new children's lifejacket per family). California law requires children under 12 who are riding in a boat 26-feet or less to wear a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.

Tours will be available starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Halibut mooring located at 13871 Fiji Way Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.

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Coast Guard Auxiliary Adds 22 To Ranks

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Public Affairs

Media Advisory

Date: 4 June 2008

Contact: Anthony Turner
Public Affairs Officer
310-908-6950
DVC-AX@auxpa.org
http://www.auxpa.org/

Coast Guard Auxiliary Adds 22 To Ranks

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is always looking to increase its' ranks with new members and on June 5th, 2008, twenty-two new "recruits" will join the Coast Guard family in a mass swearing in ceremony in the City of Yorba Linda. Commander Richard Symons, Director of Auxiliary for the 11th Coast Guard District (Southern Region) will administer the Coast Guard Auxiliary oath.

After being sworn in these twenty-two new members will become members of what is regarded as the premier all-volunteer force in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the nation.

Some of these new members will teach boating safety classes, or conduct vessel safety checks. Some will become Maritime Domain Awareness Inspectors and conduct the vitally important outreach mission of educating and informing the boating and maritime community about programs such as America's Waterway Watch (www.americaswaterwaywatch.org) and still others may choose to become boat crew members. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has something to interest all most everyone. Membership is open to U.S. citizens who are 17 years or older who can pass a favorable background check.

The 7:00 p.m. swearing in ceremony will be held at the Yorba Linda Community Center, Casa Loma Ave., Yorba Linda, Ca. 92886. The public and media are invited to attend.

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HIGH WINDS AND TRAILERED BOATS DON’T MIX

For more information contact:

Anthony Turner,

Public Afairs Officer

(310) 908-6950

MEDIA ADVISORY

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles has issued a high wind warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties continuing until Thursday. With the Memorial Day holiday weekend coming up many southern California boaters will be getting an early start to their holiday weekend destination. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary reminds boaters that “a successful boating outing begins when you leave home and ends when you safely return home” and since the majority of recreational boats are transported to and from the water it is important that boaters take as much care transporting their boat, whether it be a power boat, sailboat, paddle craft or personal water craft as they do operating their boat on the water.

The National Weather Service is also forecasting winds of at least gale force continuing through Thursday night in the Santa Barbara Channel. The strong winds are expected to generate high seas of up to 12 feet in the inner waters and 18 foot seas in the outer waters. Mariners are urged to maintain safe harbor during this time and monitor NOAA weather radio for the latest information, forecasts and warnings.

Mariners are also urged to file a float plan which is a written statement of the details of an intended voyage usually filed with a friend, neighbor and/or marina operator; a document that specifically describes the vessel, equipment, crew, and itinerary of a planned voyage. (For more information about float plans visit http://www.floatplancentral.org/)


For more potentially life-saving information along with how to take a boating safety course or get a free vessel safety check from the Coast Guard Auxiliary visit http://www.uscgboating.org/. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct law enforcement actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of the United States Coast Guard. For more information visit http://www.cgaux.org/ if you are ready to join visit http://join.cgaux.org/ .

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U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary gets good news on the eve of National Safe Boating Week - sort of?

Information Contact:
Anthony Turner, Chief
External Communications Division
National Department of Public Affairs
Email: anthony.turner@yahoo.com
(310) 908-6950

PRESS RELEASE

The good news is deaths resulting from recreational boating accidents fell in 2007, according to figures just announced by the United States Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division. The count dropped from 710 in 2006 to 688 in 2007, the lowest figure since 2004 and third lowest since the Coast Guard began collecting statistics specifically related to recreational boating. "It's gratifying to see the number of deaths going down," commented Rear Admiral James Watson, Director of Prevention Policy. "We hope that this is a result of more boaters adopting responsible boating behaviors, such as making sure that everyone on board is wearing properly-fitting Coast Guard-approved life jackets at all times."

“Receiving this news on the eve of National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) is certainly good news, sort of, since 688 deaths is still 688 deaths too many” said Coast Guard Auxiliary Member Trent Kelly who will be conducting vessel examinations at a boat launch ramp in southern California this coming weekend. “When we convince one boater to wear his or her life jacket or take a boating safety class then it is well worth it.”

This year marks 60 years since, in recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, Congress, by joint resolution approved a proclamation signed by President Eisenhower, making the seven-day period prior to Memorial Day weekend as "National Safe Boating Week." This year NSBW is from the 17th to the 23rd of May and like Kelly in southern California and across the Nation, many agencies are working to teach recreational boaters how they can make boating safer. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, National Safe Boating Council, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and the U.S. Power Squadron.

The Coast Guard Boating Safety Division also released figures that revealed while fatalities decreased, other measures - including injuries, number of accidents, and property damage - rose significantly. Injuries rose from 3,474 in 2006 to 3,686 in 2007. Reported recreational boating accidents, which reached 4,967 in 2006, climbed to 5,223. Property damage, which was a record $43,670,424 in 2006 rose further to $53,288,858 last year.

Top causes for all accidents revealed by 2007 statistics remain fairly consistent with previous years. Operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, passenger/skier behavior, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five contributing factors. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was listed as the leading factor in 21% of the deaths. Where instruction data was submitted, three fourths of the deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. Over two-thirds of those killed in boating accidents drowned, and of those, 90 percent were not wearing life jackets.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include always wearing a life jacket and requiring passengers to do the same; never operating a boat, that includes personal water craft and paddle craft such as a kayak or canoe while under the influence; completing a boating safety course; and getting a free vessel safety check annually by local Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons, and your State boating agency vessel examiners.

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Coast Guard To "Drop Anchor" On Monday

Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment Los Angeles

MEDIA ADVISORY

Date: 15 May 2008 Contact: PADET L.A. (310) 521-4260

Demonstration for Media The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary will hold a demonstration for the media on Monday morning to help highlight safe boating and kick off the National Safe Boating Week which begins Saturday. During the demonstration, media can talk to boating safety experts, see signal flair demonstrations an even have the chance for a reporter to participate in an inflatable personal floatation device (life vest) demonstration in the water. When: Monday, 19 May, 2008 Where: 13871 West Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, 90292 The demonstration will start at 8 a.m. Interested media should show up at 7:30 a.m. Statistics show that California is second in the nation behind Florida for boating accidents with 569 reported in 2006 and third in fatalities with 42. The purpose of this event is to highlight all the proper safety gear that each boater should have on their boat and stress the use of life jackets to prevent fatalities. At the end of Boating Safety Week, over the Memorial Day weekend, the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary will also be offering FREE boat checks at various locations in the LA area so boaters can see if they have everything they are required to have before getting out on the water. If law enforcement stops them on the water without all the proper gear on board they can be fined for it, ours will be free With the February nationwide switch to all Digital from analog we want to also stress to boaters that signals from the old analog Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (121.1 MHz) will no longer be monitored. Only the new 406 MHz EPIRBs will be usable and they need to make sure they have the right one. If you are interested or would like more information, please call Lt. j.g. Andrew Munoz at 310-521-3610 or Public Affairs at 310-521-4260. http://www.uscgboating.org/ Related news releases https://www.uscglosangeles.com/go/doc/834/202059/ https://www.uscglosangeles.com/go/doc/834/201801/ http://www.uscglosangeles.com/go/doc/834/202150/ http://www.uscglosangeles.com/go/doc/834/202969/

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2008 North American Safe Boating Campaign Launched May 10th with the 3rd “Annual Safe Boating Expo” at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands

CONTACT:
HENRY GOLDMAN,
U.S.COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
PUBLIC AFFAIRS
805-985-7740

CGAUXPA@YAHOO.COM

Channel Islands Harbor, CA., (May 15,2007) – In preparation for the 2007 boating season, the National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) scheduled for May 17th –May 23rd. nationwide, Channel Islands Harbor Patrol in partnership with the U.S.Coast Guard, the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S.Power Squadron and local air & sea rescue agencies launched its own Exposition before the hectic Memorial Day Weekend . NSBW is designed to promote key boating safety initiatives to more than 78 million recreational boaters nationwide.

Dubbed “Wear It!”, this multi-year initiative puts life jackets center stage, emphasizing that the number one proven safety precaution on the water is life jacket wear. Boaters can stay safe on our nation’s waters by adopting a second nature approach to wearing their life jackets. Today’s life jackets offer the latest in technological innovations custom-designed for individual water activities and long days on the boat.

This year’s event drew twice the attendance of last year. Boaters and families were treated to a search and rescue exercise performed in the harbor in front the Coast Guard Station, two on the water demonstrations were performed with a simulated fire aboard a sailboat. The first demonstration featured the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter dropping two rescue swimmers to “victims” in the water, and the Swift Water Rescue Team transporting them to shore aboard their unique PWC (Personal Water Craft). The second demonstration involved a Coast Guard helicopter dropping a rescue swimmer to a “victim” in the water, then hoisting them both back on board for medical evaluation ashore. All participating agencies’ equipment remained on display all day for viewing.

The Coast Guard Station, Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, an 87 foot patrol boat and smaller boats were open for tours. Forty-eight excited children and parents had the opportunity to ride out of the harbor on the Halibut, while the 41’ CG Utility Boat took out sixty children and parents.

Boaters brought in well over 500 outdated flares for disposal. They viewed safety demonstrations on the latest styles of life preservers, deployment of a life raft, and received hands on experience in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Local vendors and government agencies presented all with free brochures, and to see the latest in safety equipment.
Winners of our all day raffle walked away a VHF Radio, CPR Red Cross classes, handheld GPS, and inflatable life vests, all donated by West Marine of Port Hueneme, and the Red Cross of Ventura.

Attendees came away from the Exposition with first hand experience on how our local Coast Guard, Fire Department, Sheriff, and Harbor Patrol work in together for on the water emergencies. They also gained knowledge of safety measures, acquired safety materials, and schedules of boating classes available to the public offered by the U.S.Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Power Squadron.

Free Vessel Examinations were performed for by the Coast Guard Auxiliary members at the Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor Boat Ramp. Free safety checks will continue each weekend at the ramps through the end of May. Those passing, will receive a decal. During the Memorial Day weekend the U.S.Coast Guard will be doing their own inspections on the water and if the vessel does not pass the safety check they could face fines and be ordered back to the dock.

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California second in boating accidents, third in fatalities

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach

Press Release

Date: May 13, 2008 Contact: Lt. j.g. Andrew Munoz (310) 521-3610

LOS ANGELES - According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics released in July 2007, California is second in boating accidents with 569 reported and third in fatalities with 42 reported in 2006. Florida leads the nation with 633 accidents and 63 fatalities. With this year's boating season just around the corner, this is a concern for the Coast Guard. "Most boating accidents happen during the day and in good weather," said Lt. j.g. Andrew Muñoz, spokesman for the Coast Guard in Los Angeles. "Accidents are usually caused by inexperience, inattention, or irresponsible behavior," said Muñoz. California has seen a steady drop in accidents from 797 accidents in 2003. This has been attributed to statewide safety campaigns and boater education offered through organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons. "About 70 percent of boaters involved in accidents have never taken a safe boating course. Education and awareness is the best weapon we have in preventing accidents," said Muñoz. Lifejacket wear is also critical to surviving a boating accident, 85 percent of all boating accident fatalities nationwide were due to sudden, unexpected capsizing or falls overboard. About 90 percent of boaters who drown were not wearing a lifejacket. There has been an increase in regular wear of lifejackets with the recent introduction of more compact and lightweight options. "Coast Guard members wear lifejackets at all times when we are underway on our small boats. We encourage recreational boaters to do the same," said Muñoz. Boating safety statistics are compiled by the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety through cooperation of state boating administrators. The report only includes federally reportable accidents that resulted in over $2000 in property damage, necessitated medical treatment beyond first aid, or resulted in a fatality. National Safe Boating Week is May 17-24, 2008. Boating safety information and the current boating safety statistic report is available on the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety web site at: http://www.uscgboating.org/.

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Arizona to Observe National Safe Boating Week

Governor Napolitano proclaims May 17-23, 2008 Arizona Safe Boating Week

Phoenix – In observance of National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) and with the Memorial Day weekend approaching, Mary Klock, Division Captain for Arizona’s Coast Guard Auxiliary urged boaters and anglers to be safe while on the water. In honor of NSBW, Governor Jane Napolitano also issued a proclamation recognizing May 17-23, 2007 as Arizona Safe Boating Week. “Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the boating season. Many individuals will be out on the water enjoying the beautiful weather, but it’s also important that they’re mindful of basic safety,” said Klock. “I encourage those who haven’t already taken a boating safety course to do so. The techniques that are taught in the safety education classes are potentially life saving.”

Safety education courses are a key to the state’s boating safety effort. Nationwide, nearly 90 percent of all reported fatalities on boats involved boat operators who had not received boating safety instruction.

State law requires anyone age 12 or younger to wear a life jacket while aboard any watercraft at all times when the boat is underway. The Coast Guard Auxiliary urges everyone to wear a life jacket when the boat is underway, not tied up, not anchored, or not aground. Everyone, regardless of age, is required to wear a life jacket while operating a personal watercraft or jet ski.

Statistics compiled by U.S. Coast Guard based on data submitted by Arizona Game & Fish Department show that 14 people died and 151 other people were injured in boating-related accidents on Arizona waters in 2006 (latest year for which data is available). There were a total of 209 boating accidents in Arizona that year.

Accident reports indicate several people may have survived had they been wearing a life jacket. In those fatal accidents, most people who died were on boats in which the boat operators either had not taken or it was not known whether they had taken a formal boat safety education course.

Among the primary causes of boating accidents are careless or reckless operation, operator inattention, equipment failure, hazardous water conditions and alcohol use.

“During this time of year, a lot of people are out on the water, some experienced and others who are going out for the first time,” said Klock. “This can make for a dangerous mix if people are not being safe. I encourage individuals who plan on drinking to do it on shore; boaters and anglers alike are reminded to be attentive and equally as important, people should always wear a life jacket. Those simple steps can help reduce the risk of accident or serious injury.”

As a kick off to National Safe Boating Week, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron will conduct courtesy boat inspections Saturday morning, May 17 at the Ten Lane Ramp at Lake Pleasant. They will be checking boats for proper registration, availability of personal flotation devices, and to ensure lights are in working order, among other things. This is a non-law enforcement activity aimed to help boater comply with the law and to be safe on the water. A Coast Guard HH-60F, Jayhawk helicopter will also be demonstrating air-sea rescue techniques that morning. This is all part of the Arizona Safe Boating Celebration and National Safe Boating Week in Arizona.

Text of the Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s proclamation is as follows:

WHEREAS, on average, 700 people die each year in boating-related accidents in the U.S.; nearly 70% of these are fatalities caused by drowning; and

WHEREAS, the vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by the boat, equipment, or environmental factors; and

WHEREAS, a significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets; and

WHEREAS, boating knowledge and skills are important in reducing human error, improving judgment, and reducing accidents. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron pledge to continue training Arizona boaters in safe boating practices.

THEREFORE, I, Janet Napolitano, Governor of the State of Arizona, do hereby proclaim May 17 – 23, 2087 as

ARIZONA SAFE BOATING WEEK

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