The past week brought a tropical system into our area and we are likely to have with more on the horizon. While we do not always get an impact form the weather in out region, the increased wave action in tidal changes can create challenges in navigation.
Boating after a large weather event, such as a hurricane, it is important to be familiar with the area you are boating in. Buoys can and do get moved, beached, or go missing. Using added caution and being aware there may be debris in the water are critical in the days following a storm.
This can make navigating the shallow channels challenging for our region. Our closest ATON (aides to navigation) team is in Panama City, making it critical that when we notice a problem we report it.
It is also important that when out on the water, you maintain a good look out and slow down until there has been sufficient time for the debris to clear our waterways and any problems with buoys are fixed.
Saturday, Aug. 4, 2024 marked the 234th Birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard is one of the oldest organizations of the federal government. Established in 1790, the Coast Guard served as the nation’s only armed force on the sea until Congress launched the Navy Department eight years later. Since then, the Coast Guard has protected the United States throughout its long history and served proudly in every one of the nation’s conflicts.
The Coast Guard is a unique branch of the military responsible for an array of maritime duties, from ensuring safe and lawful commerce to performing rescue missions in severe conditions. Nearly 42,000 men and women are actively serving in the Coast Guard to defend America’s borders and protect the maritime environment.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed volunteer component of the Active Duty Coast Guard. We were founded in 1939. Today, the 26,000+ volunteer members (men and women) donate millions of hours in support of Coast Guard missions.
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.
