Coast Guard Auxiliary Reports
As a boater, this has ramifications for you. Our area is already prone to low water levels with the oyster and sand bars. It is easy to run aground if you are not familiar with the area even in a typical low tide. As we get further into the fall and winter, there will be times when it may not be possible to get your boat in and out of the water during low tide. Some launching areas will be dry during low tides.
If you do run aground, it is important to notify other boaters and the Coast Guard on channel 16. If you cannot get yourself free, unless there is an emergency, you will most likely be advised to wait until the tides change.
It is a good idea to remember to keep an oar or other similar device onboard to use to try and dislodge yourself should you run aground. Sucking up too much sand and debris in your engine could lead to more problems for you.
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident. Be sure to check the tide tables before heading out for a day on the water.
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
Please contact us to learn more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.