U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 78, Division 7 WATERWAYS 78 Volume XVI, Issue 5 May 2013 Vancouver, Washington Inside this issue: From the Commander Awards and Recognition 2 3 National Safe Boating Week Port of Camas-Washougal Teams Up With Flotilla 78 to Encourage Life Jacket Use Story on Page 8 Opening Day 4 Cape D 6 Around the District 8 Paddlesports America Calendar 12 13 Check the Activities and Events Calendar for important dates WASHOUGAL, Washington Left to Right Auxiliarist Barry Owens, Steve Klopman, Maintenance Supervisor - Port of Camas-Washougal, Darrell Burk, Maintenance Assistant - Port of Camas-Washougal, and Auxiliarist Gay Sipes apply the first Life Jacket Zone stencil at the Port of Camas-Washougal launch ramp on May 20, 2013, as part of National Safe Boating Week. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo by Dana Bergdahl.
Page 2 Waterways 78 From the Commander April and May have passed and summer is here. The last week of April included a large ABS class of 40 Oregon and Washington boaters who completed the course and passed the proctored examination. Numbers for the May class were even greater. National Safe Boating Week was May 18-24 and full of events. A Paddle Craft America and a Paddle Craft Vessel Inspection Workshop was presented to Division 7 for their monthly Division Training. The workshop was instructed by Tom A. Murphy, a nationally recognized Paddle Craft expert, who always takes the time to demonstrate on the water in addition to classroom instruction. He presented a short workshop on Paddle Craft Vessel Inspections and provided in-depth insight on how and where to find the HIN numbers on craft longer than ten feet and what to observe for paddle craft inspections. Many of the white water kayaks which are shorter than ten feet may not have an HIN, but most manufacturers are complying by providing one. On another note, the Paddle Craft Operators Certification was disbanded by District 13 at a time when fatalities from paddle power are increasing at a rate higher than all other type of water craft. These craft operate in areas where powered craft operate and where power boats cannot navigate or operate safely. This was noted on my recent visit to Farmington, New Mexico and Durango, Colorado. I inquired what the US Coast Guard Auxiliary does in New Mexico and Colorado. The response was Water Safety on the water bodies in the area - kayaks on the Las Animas River in Colorado, and cater-rafts in New Mexico. May 4th was Opening Day and the weather was cooperative, with a nice breeze for the sailboats, which broke through the organized permitted event. Remember Rule 5? Maintain a lookout, 360 degrees, at all times. Flotilla 78, the Port of Camas-Washougal, and the Clark County Marine Patrol applied Life Jacket Zone stencils at the Camas-Washougal ramp on May 20th for National Safe Boating Week and the season opening of the loaner life jacket program at the ramp. Respectfully Submitted, Hall Guttormsen Flotilla Commander 78
Volume XVI, Issue 5 Page 3 Awards and Recognition Century Club Award (Honors a member who has over 100 MDVs/VSCs in a 1 year period) Elizabeth Allen Commodore s Letter of Appreciation Karl Johnston Outstanding Service Trophy for Division 7 Public Education Flotilla 78 ASTORIA, Oregon - Auxiliarist Elizabeth Allen engages with the public at the Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival on April 27, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Greg Allen. Visit us on the Web! Www.flotilla78.org
Page 4 Waterways 78 Opening Day on the Columbia River May 4, 2013 PORTLAND, Oregon Left to Right Flotilla 78 Auxiliarists Todd Miller, Hall Guttormsen, Gay Sipes and Don Lewallen prepare for patrol during Opening Day boating events on the Columbia River, May 4, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Joann McCollum.
Volume XVI, Issue 5 Page 5 COLUMBIA RIVER, Oregon Daughters of Neptune encourage life jacket use and give a wave to Auxiliarists on May 4, 2013, during Opening Day patrols. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Joann McCollum. COLUMBIA RIVER, Oregon Lined up boaters catch a view of Mt. Hood while enjoying Opening Day festivities on the Columbia River near Vancouver, Washington. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Joann McCollum.
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Volume XVI, Issue 5 Page 7 Cape D Welcomes the Public to an Open House and Blood Drive By Dana Bergdahl, Public Affairs Specialist I, 130-07-08 For those that did not have the opportunity to attend the Cape Disappointment Open House and Blood Drive on Saturday, May 18, 2013, in Ilwaco, Washington, there was much to be missed. Even with the inclement weather that is typical for Cape D, attendees had an educational experience interacting with the U.S. Coast Guard, USCG Auxiliary s Flotilla 62, American Red Cross, Washington State Patrol, Medix, South Pacific Technical Rescue, Columbia River Bar Pilots, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and local fire departments. ILWACO, Washington Cape Disappointment Lighthouse stands tall over the Columbia River Bar, home of the Graveyard of the Pacific where the U.S. Coast Guard frequently performs rescues. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Dana Bergdahl. The U.S. Coast Guard s Motor Lifeboat School makes its home in Ilwaco, Washington, where the open house was held. A few of the many highlights included rescue equipment on display and available for tours given by Coast Guard personnel and Columbia River Bar Pilot boats; also open for tours. A blood drive was held by the American Red Cross and a variety of search and rescue events were held throughout the day. Many activities were enjoyed by children of all ages who were able to participate as well. This event is timed perfectly with The Weather Channel recently filming at Cape D for the latest upcoming television series Coast Guard: Cape Disappointment/Pacific Northwest, which will be coming out soon. Visitors to the open house were able to get a peek at the Coast Guard personnel who will be featured in the series.
Page 8 Waterways 78 Around the District: National Safe Boating Week Port of Camas-Washougal Teams Up With Flotilla 78 to Encourage Life Jacket Use By Dana Bergdahl, Public Affairs Specialist I, 130-07-08 WASHOUGAL, Washington Auxiliarists Gay Sipes and Dana Bergdahl assist Port of Camas/Washougal s Maintenance Assistant Darrell Burk, in painting the fourth of five Life Jacket Zone stencils at the Port s launch on May 20, 2013, to encourage boaters to always wear their life jackets. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Chuck Gehle. Each time water sports enthusiasts head out to enjoy a day on the water they are exposing themselves to a variety of potential hazards, from inclement weather to unforeseen obstacles in the water and much more. To take part in National Safe Boating Week, on May 20, 2013, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Flotilla 78 members teamed up with the Port of Camas- Washougal in a joint effort to promote boating safety by painting "Life Jacket Zone" messages directly on the pavement of boat launch ramps near the port's life jacket loaner station. Steve Klopman, Maintenance Supervisor for the Port of Camas-Washougal sprayed the first of five permanent stencils. Auxiliarists Dana Bergdahl, Barry Owens and Gay Sipes assisted with painting. Several other Flotilla 78 members and Deputy Todd Baker of the Clark County Sheriff s Marine Patrol, attended to show additional support for the event. A total of five bordered stencils, size 48" x 48" with the words "Life Jacket Zone" were painted with yellow Krylon pavement spray. Flotilla 78 purchased the stencil for this event, and hopes to utilize it in other areas around Clark County, Washington. The Krylon paint should last two or three years before fading. Flotilla 78 will maintain the messages and repaint them when necessary. According to port Communications Manager Jack Hardy, in addition to the new ramp messages, the port continues a life jacket loaner program for which they recently added twelve new life
Volume XVI, Issue 5 Page 9 jackets in a variety of sizes through a grant from the Washington State Park's boating safety program. The life jacket loaner station can be found adjacent to the launch ramps. "It is our hope to get all people to wear life jackets on the water to help prevent drowning accidents like the one off Lady Island last year" said Hardy. Last year, during Memorial Day Weekend, the tragic drowning of a 13-yearold boy occurred that shook the community. Through life jacket education and reminders such as the new stencils at the port's launch ramp, it is hoped that loss of life can be prevented. That is the goal of both the Auxiliary and officials at the Port of Camas-Washougal. WASHOUGAL, Washington Port of Camas-Washougal Communications Manager Jack Hardy, adds new life jackets to the life jacket loaner station near the boat launch. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Dana Bergdahl. This type of community participation could not go without recognition. For this reason, Flotilla 78 presented the port with a framed certificate of appreciation and a cake on Friday, May 31, 2013, for taking part in this year's National Safe Boating Week event. As volunteer lifesavers, the Auxiliary is pleased to see community effort that supports the mission of recreational boating safety education and safety prevention. WASHOUGAL, Washington Auxiliarist Barry Owens breaks from helping port employees paint Life Jacket Zone stencils at the port s launch ramps as part of National Safe Boating Day events. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Dana Bergdahl. The Auxiliary and the Port of Camas-Washougal envision that the stencils will serve as a reminder to boaters about the importance of wearing life jackets. The port will continue to support boating safety through a variety of activities, including a Riverside Family Fun and Concert event that will take place on August 17, 2013. The Clark County Marine Patrol will provide boater education at this event and there will be a rescue swimmer demonstration with a U.S.
Page 10 Waterways 78 Coast Guard helicopter crew. Flotilla 78 has been invited to have an Auxiliary booth at the event as well. In addition, the Flotilla has been invited to have a booth at annual 4th of July festivities at the port. National Safe Boating Week serves as a nation-wide annual reminder that wearing a life jacket at all times while on the water cannot be stressed enough. River currents, unexpected weather events, accidents and unseen obstacles in the water cause unforeseen boating accidents each year. By wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket, deaths from these accidents can be prevented. WASHOUGAL, Washington Port employees measure for placement of the Life Jacket Zone stencil being painted with Krylon for National Safe Boating Week. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Dana Bergdahl. Visit Flotilla 78 s website to see more on National Safe Boating Week WASHOUGAL, Washington - Photo by Jack Hardy, Communications Manager, Port of Camas-Washougal.
Volume XVI, Issue 5 Be Prepared for Sudden Starts and Stops on the Water... Page 11 Photos courtesy of Joann McCollum
Page 12 Waterways 78 PORTLAND, Oregon Several Coast Guard Auxiliarists attend a Division 7 Paddlesports America course at MSU Portland on May 11, 2013, taught by instructor Tom Murphy, Newport, Oregon. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Joann McCollum. Attend a Paddlesports America class and gain essential paddle safety knowledge today! Flotilla 78 will present a Paddlesports America class on June 22, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more details about this class, contact Gay Sipes at gaysipes@juno.com. PORTLAND, Oregon - Instructor Tom Murphy from Newport, Oregon, demonstrates paddle craft maneuvers at a Division 7 training at MSU. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Joann McCollum,
Volume XVI, Issue 5 Page 13 Activities and Events Calendar June 5 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Vancouver Plaza I-Hop) June 5 Division Meeting 1900 (MSU Portland) June 6 Flotilla Staff Meeting 1830 (Peachtree Restaurant, Hazel Dell) June 8 TCO Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Overlook Restaurant, Portland) June 13 Sifton School Presentation 1130 (Sifton Elementary School, Vancouver) June 15 Fellowship Breakfast 0800 (Hometown Buffet, Vancouver) June 20 Flotilla 78 Member Meeting 1930 (WA Fish & Wildlife Bldg., Vancouver) June 22 About Boating Safely Class 0830 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver) June 22 Paddlesports America Class 0830 (4700 NE 78th St, Bldg. B-1, Vancouver)
Semper Paratus Semper Paratus 2013 OFFICERS Page 14 FC Hall C. Guttormsen FSO-MS Todd Miller VFC Joel Hernandez FSO-MT Charles Gehle IPFC George Sipes FSO-NS Barry Owens FSO-CM Warren Cook FSO-OP Donald G. Lewallen FSO-CS Dana M. Bergdahl FSO-PA John Mackey FSO-DV Tammy Longpre FSO-PB Dana M. Bergdahl FSO-HR Gay Sipes FSO-PE Karl Johnston FSO-FN Bob Wilkinson FSO-PV Warren Cook FSO-IS Barry Owens FSO-SR Barry Owens FSO-MA Donald G. Lewallen FSO-VE Rodger Plymate National Safe Boating Week V A N C O U V E R, W a s h i n g t o n Flotilla 78 ABS instructors, the Clark County Marine Patrol and ABS students want you to remember to always wear your life jacket. Photo by Deputy Dave Nelson, Clark County Marine Patrol. Confidentiality Notice of the Privacy Act The disclosure of the personal information contained in this publication is subject to the provisions contained in the Privacy Act of 1974.The subject Act with certain exceptions prohibits the disclosure, distribution, dissemination, or copying of any material containing the home address, home telephone numbers, spouses names, and social security numbers, except for official business. Violation may result in disciplinary action by the Coast Guard and/or civilian criminal sanction. Cover Photo: Appears to be a shoreline, however, is a closeup of spilled liquid. By Dana Bergdahl Waterways 78 A Coast Guard Auxiliary District 13, Division 7, Flotilla 78 Publication is authorized IAW COMDTINST 1800.5D & COMDTINST M5728.2C. Published twelve times yearly and circulated to Auxiliary members of Flotilla 78 via mail, electronically and on the Flotilla 78 web site at www.flotilla78.org. Waterways 78 contains news of general interest, suggestions, and information for Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the U. S. Coast Guard. Material is informational only and not authority for action. Internet release is authorized. Editor Dana M. Bergdahl Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard Auxiliary FSO-PB Washougal, WA 503-828-8222 Photos and articles by the editor unless otherwise noted. Publishing Deadline: 15th of each month