The following information was shared by Scott Hausmanm. It comes from a story that was published in Soundings Magazine.
The importance of filing a float plan cannot be overstated. The story states that, “An unidentified man was rescued after his skiff overturned off the coast of Maine, thanks in part to a Facebook post where he had shared his approximate whereabouts. In the post, the man had informed friends and family that he was going sailing on his skiff to inspect property damage from the recent January storms.”
When the boater did not return when expected, family called emergency responders to ask for assistance. Due to the float plan, they were able to localize search efforts and ask for assistance from those in the area. Another boater relayed information that was helpful in narrowing down the area even more.
The USGC states that, “A Float Plan is equally effective for the owner of a 10 foot kayak or flat-bottom skiff as it is for a 48-foot express cruiser, or a 90 foot sport-fishing vessel or luxury yacht.” It is a also recommended that that you include a photo of your vessel with your float plan.
You can download a float plan from https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/floating-plan.php
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident!
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.
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.
