Thank you to Phil Hill for the article and Linda Olson for the images.
Flotilla 12 assisted with the Panacea Kid’s Fishing Derby on Saturday, Oct. 19. Our booth was devoted to boating safety, but we also explained tasks related specifically to docking of a boat. We had cleats for the children to practice attaching lines, fenders and a piling and cleat that children could cast a line around.
The derby had been scheduled earlier in the year, but weather conditions had forced the event to be postponed. Sometimes you must adapt to situations that you cannot control; this was the case on Saturday. Due to outside circumstances, the group covering the knot tying booth was unable to attend. After a quick discussion with the event sponsor, members of the flotilla split into two groups and covered both booths. We had extra line and equipment. The flotilla used these to set up the other booth. We dusted off our knowledge of knots and went to work.
It is important to plan for unforeseen situations – the just in case moments. We have a spare tire in the trunk of our car, make extra food for a party in case unexpected guests arrive.
As a boater, it is critical that we do the same. Make a float plan stating how many are on board your vessel, where you are going, and when you plan to return. Give it to a person that will notify authorities if you do not return. Carry an extra cut off switch cord just in case your captain falls overboard, and you need to pick your captain up. Teach your boat guests how to use your radio. Things do happen that you cannot control.
The derby turned out to be a great event with smiling children everywhere. The children received snow cones, hotdogs, T-shirts, and a fishing pole after completing all the tasks. Some went to the pier at the park and caught fish and had them weighed. To the sponsors of the derby, Bravo Zulu from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
As Sherrie says, safe boating is no accident! Be prepared for the just in case moments.
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.
