Como. Ted Neale, Jr. DC-A - - - - - Vol 97 Sept. 97 No. 9 - - - - - Otis W. Littleton, BC-ANN

INTRACOASTAL FEAR

When Auxiliarist Frank Mauro joined a Coast Guard Crew on Board a 41 foot utility boat from Fort Lauderdale to obtain some knowledge about fisheries boarding, little did he know that he would become involved in a nightmarish rescue effort that found all crewmembers including the coxswain of the 41 footer in the water saving the lives of nine people

The Account of the rescue was fully reported in the July 1997 issue of the Coast Guard. We salute the actions of this professional crew and want to use this opportunity to bring to your attention the fact that although the 412 foot utility boat was on scene only 30 seconds after the 25 foot bayliner began to sink. a good Samaritan observed, "Some of the people had life jackets on, and I think they might have put them on loosely. Most of the life jackets popped off."

This years National Safe Boating theme was about the importance of wearing Personal Flotation Devices. What must be done to stress upon people that the PFDs must be properly fitted to the individual? We still have a lot of work to do to have the message imprinted on the mind of the public. Two lives were lost, while nine were saved. Had all been wearing properly fitted and secured PFDs, there very well may not have been any loss of life and the Team Coast Guard Crew might not have had to risk their lives to save those who found themselves in extreme danger. Auxiliarists too risk their lives as volunteers to make the waters safe for those seeking the pleasures of recreational boating.

FIRST WATCH

1. Type your PA content on a computer and print it on Auxiliary letterhead;
2. Along with all the pertinent facts, also include the 'so what', i.e. the reason, importance and/or bottom line of the facts;
3. Provide a contact number;
4. Designate the date(s) you desire it to be printed;
5. If applicable, include a 'must run' date and/or kill date;
6. Keep the information on one page, double spaced;
7. Know every media's deadline dates;
8. Find out how much lead time each media needs; they may be regularly booked two weeks in advance;
9. Follow up the submission of a written paper with a phone call;
10. If there is a problem, make an appointment with the person who makes the decisions;
11. NEWS is anything that makes the community look at its own life (hence the 'so what');
12. A 30 second spot on the radio is about 55 words;
13. Indicate the seconds of each spot you FAX in;
14. Public Service Announcements (55 words) are cycled in with many others, which means the coverage you get may be scanty;
15. News releases get better time;
16. It is very beneficial for our PA officer to visit with and get acquainted with media people at different newspapers, radio and television stations;
17. It is very beneficial for our PA officers to visit with and get acquainted with media people at different newspapers, radio and television stations.
18. It is also helpful when sending a fax cover for quick identification; like an Auxiliary emblem or active duty station logo.

Jeannette Wells did a great job on reporting their District 13 Public Affairs workshop which included local media persons participating in the panel discussion.

We don't mean the musical kind in your den or living room. Many organizations publish their own internal newsletters for their employees or their customers. These publications can be used with great success in getting out an important message, especially if it contains an important safety massage.

Many business firms also have oSafety Managerso whose responsibility is to promote in-plant safety. Many employers are also concerned about unsafe practices by employees away from the workplace and on their own time. If an employee is injured and loses time from the job, it doesn't matter much that it didn't happen on the job. It can still be disruptive in the workplace.

Auxiliarist Joe Witkoski, Maintenance Manager for a firm by the name of North American Drager, was recently featured in that firm's house organ, oJust In Timeso . The cover featured a head shot picture insert captioned oWitkoski's Navyo and featured a two page centerfold story that also contained great photos. The article was well done and provided much information. The article, titled, "NAD Maintenance Manager, Joe Witkoski Wants to Know, 'Who Cares about Boating Safety?'." It featured photographs of Joe in his 20 foot Aquasport on patrol, a stranded boater in tow, and a special tool designed by Joe and some of the men in his maintenance shop to make it easier to hook up to and detach a tow line to the bow eye that is on most small boats. The article also featured the many educational opportunities available to members of the Auxiliary.

Joe Witkoski is a coxswain and Vice Commander of his Flotilla in Eastern Pennsylvania. Joe does most of his operational patrols on three Pennsylvania Lakes, Nockamixon, Beltsville and Wallenpaupak. Joe also maintains a supply of brochures in his office that are available for fellow employees who want to know more about boating safety and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

While it is too soon to know the outcome of the 1997 boating season, it is clear that the experience so far is a mixed bag, with some states showing a worsening experience and others some slight improvement.

Boating deaths in 1996 reached a record low of 716. The deaths recorded in 1995 were 851. The data compiled by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, (NASBLA) indicated that the number of reported accidents in 1996 remained relatively constant, even though there was a decline in the number of fatalities and injuries reported. Federal and state laws require boating accidents to be reported involving property damage in excess of $500 or death or bodily injury requiring more than ordinary first aid or disappearance be reported. While the Coast Guard estimates that only about 5% of boating accidents are in fact reported, the number of deaths and injuries accounted for are considered to be reliable.

The data also contained some other interesting facts. Personal watercraft accounted for 54% of all reported boating injuries. 88% of those killed, died from drowning.

Some have expressed concern that the death rate for 1997 may be higher than 1996. Boating death rates have fluctuated over the years. There is still time to get the message out to the boaters to take a safety course and to wear a PFD that is properly fitted.

In an historic action this past 12 June 1997, the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary signed a memorandum of understanding for employment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in support of the Coast Guard's National Recreational Boating Safety Program. The objective of the agreement is stated, "to expand the involvement of the Coast Guard Auxiliary in dynamic "Team Coast Guard" approach which actively engages Auxiliarists as full partners in aggressively supporting the Coast Guard's National Recreational Boating Program."

The agreement also defines the goals of the Recreational Boating Safety (RBS) Program which will be administered by the Coast Guard's office of Boating Safety. They Include:

1. Improve the demonstrated knowledge, skills, abilities, and behavior of boaters;
2. Improve the safety of boats and their associated equipment;
3. Improve the physical and operational boating environment;
4. Improve intermodal and interagency cooperation, coordination and assistance.

The agreement also provided that the Auxiliary, under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Commandant for operations (G-o) and the Director of operations Policy (G-OP), the Chief, Office of Boating Safety, shall carry out specifically identified functions and responsibilities. The agreement also acknowledges the many changes undertaken by the Auxiliary to reflect the streamlining of the Coast Guard. With the passage of the Auxiliary Act of 1996, the Auxiliary now has the capability to perform any mission authorized by the Commandant with the exception of Direct Law Enforcement and Military Duty. The Auxiliary is considered by the Coast Guard to be a significant force multiplier to support the administrative and operational needs of the Coast Guard .

The program fully involves the Auxiliary Department of Boating, The Department of Education and the Department of Vessel Examination. These Departments will perform under the program guidance of the office of Boating Safety and the Auxiliary Directorate of Recreational Boating Safety.

The Public Affairs Department was not overlooked in the agreement. The Auxiliary Department of Public Affairs is to be tied in, in promoting the national Annual Safe Boating Week activities. Other duties of the three RBS directorates will also provide the Public Affairs Department unprecedented opportunities to promote the various aspects of the several programs with the public. one specific area provided for under the agreement is to "Develop, promulgate and maintain a National Guide to Auxiliary Usage" that will direct external customers on how to obtain information or services from the Auxiliary.