MULTIPLE AGENCIES RESPOND TO FALSE DISTRESS CALLS
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Coast Guard receives approximately 600-700 hoaxes/suspected hoaxes each year. Several of these calls have come into the Coast Guard in Alaska this week. The Coast Guard along with multiple local agencies responded.
RECENT ACTIVITY IN ALASKA
Seward Flotilla to conduct Vessel Safety Checks
Contact: Sue Lang FSO-PA Seward Flotilla 170-02-05 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
suelang@alaska.com http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/ (907) 491-9110
Seward Flotilla, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, will conduct Courtesy Vessel Examinations at stations at the North and South Launch Ramps in the Seward Small Boat Harbor on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18 from 10 am to 2 pm. A Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is a free courtesy check of your boat (vessel) to verify the presence and condition of specific safety equipment required by Federal, state and local regulations. A Vessel Examiner is a certified member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary who is trained to conduct a VSC. The Auxiliarist will perform the VSC on your boat, discuss the purpose and value of required and optional marine safety equipment, answer any boating related safety questions and make recommendations that will help make you a safer boater. In addition to boating safety education, some important new Homeland Security rules for boaters are discussed.
A list of required equipment is available at The Fish House, Ace True Value Hardware, Storm Chasers and NAPA.
To learn more about Courtesy Vessel Exams or to take a Virtual VSC, visit http://safetyseal.net/what_is_vsc.asp.
The Flotilla will also have a public information booth at the Mustang Moorings building from 10 am – 2 pm, Saturday May 17 & 18 as a part of Seward Harbor Opening Weekend.
For more information about the US Coast Guard Auxiliary or to schedule a VSC, call 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/ .
Size Does Matter – When Choosing A Life Jacket
There’s no doubt that life jackets save lives. In the United States an average of nine people a day die as a result of drowning – deaths that could have been prevented. But a life jacket that does not fit properly can put a person at risk of drowning. Proper fit is imperative for safety on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has a few tips to follow when choosing a life jacket.
- Choose only a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jacket, and the correct size for the weight of the person. The USCG stamp of approval, size, whether it is for a child or an adult, and appropriate weight of the wearer should be listed inside the jacket. A person’s chest size and stomach size may come into play when selecting the right life jacket.
- Use the “touchdown” test to see if your life jacket fits properly; Lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown. The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you look left, right or over your shoulder. If the jacket passes this test, it most likely fits. If possible try it out in shallow water. The life jacket should not ride up on your body. However, ride-up may happen if your stomach is larger than your chest.
- Weigh a child and measure for chest size under the arms before shopping for a child’s life jacket. A properly fitting jacket should be snug but not tight.
- Check for proper fit of a life jacket on a child. Wearing the jacket, the child should stand normally with arms at his or her sides. Grab the jacket at the shoulders and firmly lift up. The jacket does not fit if it moves more than three inches up and down the child’s body during the test.
- Ensure a life jacket for an infant or child has a crotch strap to help keep the life jacket on, an oversized float collar to help keep the head out of the water and a grab loop for easier water rescue. All straps should be intact and fastened at all times.
Vessel Safety Checks Are Still Free
Seward Flotilla 170-02-05suelang@alaska.com
907-224-8237
http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/
In 1947 when the Vessel Safety Check program began $10.00 had about the same buying power that $92.81 has today and while the cost of everything has gone up, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can proudly proclaim one thing definitely has not – our free Vessel Safety Checks. Although free, the value of the life that may be saved by taking advantage of a Vessel Check Safety is priceless.
With the Memorial Day weekend, the traditional start of the recreational boating season, just around the corner, now is a great time for all boaters - from kayakers and jet skiers to recreational boaters - to take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check. Now is also a great time to take advantage of one of the many boating safety courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and become acquainted or even reacquainted with basic boating skills, seamanship and the most current rules and regulations that may also save a live or prevent an accident.
Vessel Safety Checks are conducted by qualified members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and are the best way of learning about problems that might be a violation of state or federal laws and provide the boating public with additional safety tips that could possibly mitigate or eliminate preventable danger on the water.
Qualified examiners in the Seward area include Sue Lang, 224-8237; Orson Smith, 224-2526; Craig Williamson, 224-2476 and Van Waggoner, 244-1660.
To find a Vessel Examiner in other areas of the state, go to www.vesselsafetycheck.org and click on “I Want a VSC” to find a Vessel Examiner near you.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the United States Coast Guard. Created by an Act of Congress in 1939, the Auxiliary directly supports the Coast Guard in all missions, except military and direct law enforcement actions. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an integral part of the United States Coast Guard. For more information visit www.cgaux.org. If you are ready to be join, visit http://join.cgaux.org or contact Sue Lang, Seward Flotilla Commander, at 224-8237.
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Seward Flotilla offers Boating Class
- Introduction to Boating
- Boating Law
- Boat Safety Equipment
- Safe Boating
- Navigation
- Boating Problems
- Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your
- Boat Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating
Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America’s Boating Course. For more information about the class, contact Orson Smith, 224-2526 or Sue Lang, 224-8237 or sign-up online at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/abc.htm
Seward Coast Guard Auxiliarists Honored at District Conference
Eleven members of the Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary, attended the annual District 17 Training Conference in Anchorage over the Presidents Day weekend. The conference included Division Board meetings, qualifications workshop for public affairs, boat crew training, Vessel Examiners training, radio communications, data entry and much, much more.
At the Awards Luncheon on Saturday, Feb 17 the following Seward Flotilla members were acknowledged for their service in 2006:
Sue Lang received an Auxiliary Vessel Exam/Program Visitor Award for conducting 32 Vessel Safety Checks and 60 Marine Dealer Visits.
Craig Williamson received an Auxiliary Operations Annual Service Award for 90 Operational Hours and 14 Operational Support Hours
The Auxiliary Station Seward Award was presented to Alan Drake, Lanice Drake, Craig Williamson, Orson Smith, David Popken, Barbara Popken, Kevinn Smith of the Seward Flotilla as well as Gary & Pam Taylor, Richard & Pat Fairbanks, Shane Taylor, Terri Telkamp, and Andy Buhler of Anchorage and Charlie Audino of Eagle River.
An Auxiliary Public Affairs Award was presented to Sue Lang for 42 Public Affairs Missions
At Sunday’s Awards Banquet Division 2 awards were presented by Roy Stoddard Division 2 Captain in 2006 and Commodore Michael Folkerts:
Seward Flotilla for the Most Specialty Courses completed by a flotilla
Sue Lang – Outstanding Auxiliarist of the Year
A Presidential Unit Citation and ribbon was awarded to all Auxiliarists of record during Hurricane Katrina.
District 17 Awards were presented by Commodore Michael Folkerts and Rear Admiral Gene Brooks, Commandant 17th Coast Guard District:
Craig Williamson - Auxiliary Award for Operational Merit
Kevinn Smith – Meritorious Team Commendation for the Coxswain Academy
Sue Lang – Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Program Award
Sue Lang – LCDR Christopher G. Honse Award. This award is named for the former District 17 Director of Auxiliary LCDR Christopher Honse and is presented “…to the Auxiliarist who demonstrated development, planning and execution of a leading edge idea.”
These awards represent hundreds of hours by members of the Seward Flotilla.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237, Craig Williamson at 224-2476 and Orson Smith at 224-2526 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/index.html.
The next meeting of the Seward Flotilla is Friday, March 9 at 7:00PM at the Elks Hall, 419 5th Ave, Seward.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
INSTEAD OF ROSES, GIVE A DOZEN SAFETY TIPS/GIFTS THAT MAY SAVE A LIFE
| For more information contact: Sue Lang, FSO-PA, Seward Flotilla 224-8237 |
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers Twelve Great
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Boaters
With “love in the air” and spring and boating season just around the corner, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary would like to offer some special Valentine’s Day gift ideas for boaters to help them stay safe all year long, and will surely last longer than roses.
One of the best gift ideas for boaters is to sign them up for a boating safety course. Knowledge is power, and it has been statistically shown that boaters who have taken a safety class are far less likely to be involved in a boating mishap or fatality. Course topics include basic boat handling, required and recommended safety equipment, navigational rules and dealing with boating emergencies.
The Seward Flotilla has scheduled America’s Boating Course for Saturday, March 24 from 8 AM to 5 PM at the Seward Elks Hall. Cost is $35 per person and includes text and cd. An exam will be given at the end of the day. Successfully passing the exam may result with a discount from you boat insurance carrier. Check with your agent for more information.
Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium launches website
Filed under: Alaska, Announcement, Business, Event, Nature, Sports
Contact: Sue Lang, 907-224-8237, suelang@alaska.com
Paul Carter, Executive Director, Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium, announced the launch of the Symposium’s web site today: http://www.seaexpoalaska.com/.
The Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium is an expansion in conjunction with the Alaska Sea Kayak Symposium that has offered beginning kayak classes in Alaska for many years. This year’s event will take place in Seward and start Thursday, May 17 and run through Monday, May 21, 2007. The Seward Sea Kayaking Symposium is a great opportunity for not only beginners, but intermediate and advanced kayakers to learn, improve, and share skills & information. There are a lot of different activities planned at venues all over Seward and Resurrection Bay including trips to Fox Island, Aialik Bay, Orca Island, Thumb Cove, Humpy Cove, Kayaker’s Cove, Sunny Cove, and more.
In-water classes will be held at the Seward High School Pool and the Lowell Point State Recreation Area. Lecture Series classes are scheduled for the 2 conference rooms at the Hotel Edgewater, Alaska SeaLife Center and The Rae Building. The trade show will be held at the former Legends Restaurant in downtown Seward.
The website links to the calendar of events as well as information on the Class Series – where paddlers can improve their techniques and Lecture Series – when experts address various issues from legal requirements, to viewing marine mammals to how to use a marine radio. A Sponsor List as well as Resource List and bibliography are also available on-line.
Registration will be available on-line by February 15, 2007.
Seward Flotilla to Meet
Contact: Sue Lang FSO-PA, Seward Flotilla 170-02-05, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary suelang@alaska.com http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/ (907)224-8237
Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary will meet Friday, February 2 at 7 PM at the Elks Hall, 419 5th Ave, Seward. Flotilla Staff Officer Reports will be presented. Plans for the annual District 17 Training Conference that will be held in Anchorage over President’s Day weekend will be discussed. The FSO-Member Training will do a presentation on Auxiliary Forms and how to fill them out. Plans for Boat Crew training sessions will also be discussed.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/ .
CRITICAL EPIRB ADVISORY FOR COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ALASKAN BOATERS
Filed under: Announcement, Health, Science, Sports, Technology
Sue Lang FSO-PA, Seward Flotilla U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 907-224-8237 suelang@alaska.com
Boaters Must Not Operate 121.5/243 MHZ Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) after December 31, 2006
WASHINGTON – The United States Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary wish to remind all boaters that beginning January 1, 2007, both 121.5 and 243 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are prohibited from use in both commercial and recreational watercraft in Alaska and worldwide. Boaters requiring an emergency rescue beacon aboard their vessel must have a digital 406 MHz model.
The January 1, 2007, date to stop using 121.5 MHz EPIRBs is in preparation for February 1, 2009, when satellite processing of distress signals from all 121.5/243 MHz beacons will terminate. Following this termination date, only the 406 MHz beacons will be detected by the International Cospas-Sarsat Satellite System which provides distress alert and location data for search and rescue operations around the world.
The regulation applies to all Class A, B, and S 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs. It does not affect 121.5/243 MHz man overboard devices which are designed to work directly with a base alerting unit only and not with the satellite system.
This change, in large part, was brought about by the unreliability of the 121.5/243 MHz beacons in an emergency situation. Data reveals that with a 121.5 MHz beacon; only one alert out of every 50 is a genuine distress situation. This has a significant effect on expending the limited resources of search and rescue personnel and platforms. With 406 MHz beacons, false alerts have been reduced significantly, and, when properly registered, can usually be resolved with a telephone call to the beacon owner. Consequently, real alerts can receive the attention they deserve.
Read more
Seward Flotilla to Meet
Press Release
Contact: Sue Lang FSO-PA Seward Flotilla 170-02-05 United States Coast Guard Auxiliary suelang@alaska.com (907)224-8237 http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/
The Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary will meet Friday, 1 December at 7 PM at the American Legion Hall, 402 5th Ave, Seward. Plans for the Festival of Trees, Polar Bear Jump-off, Member Training opportunities and District Training will be discussed. Everyone is welcome to join in Fellowship before and after the meeting.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941.
The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/index.html.
Cutter to return to Seward
The USCG Cutter Mustang (WPB-1310), is scheduled to return to Seward on Sunday 29 October, weather permitting, according to Lt. James D. Stoffer, commanding officer.
The 110’ cutter has been undergoing biennial repairs at the Coast Guard facility in Ketchikan for the past 8 weeks.
Press Release
Date: Monday, October 23, 2006
Contact: Sue Lang FSO-PA
Seward Flotilla 170-02-05
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
suelang@alaska.com
http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/
(907) 224-8237
Seward Flotilla, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, elects 2007 Officers
Leaders chosen for a 2nd term
Flotilla Commander Alan Drake of Girdwood and Vice Flotilla Commander Sue Lang of Lowell Point were unanimously re-elected to lead the flotilla for 2007 at the Election Meeting on October 20.
Drake has been in the Auxiliary since 2003 and holds competencies as Boat Crew and SAFE Boat Coxswain, Instructor and AUXOP. AUXOP classification means that he has passed all six of the Auxiliary Specialty Operations courses. He also maintains the flotilla website and is Materials officer.
Lang joined the Auxiliary in 2002 and holds competencies as Instructor, Vessel Examiner and Recreational Boating Safety Program Visitor. She is also the Public Affairs officer and Personnel Officer for the flotilla.
The next meeting of the Seward Flotilla will be Friday, November 4 at 1900 (7 PM) at the American Legion Hall, 402 5th Ave, Seward.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/index.html.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
Lowell Point Floods
Residents left stranded
Lowell Point, AK — October 9, 2006 – - Heavy rain over the past 24 hours has left the roads at Lowell Point flooded and Lowell Point Rd. impassable due to several rock slides.
Residents awoke to 8″ or better of water in the roads, driveways and low areas. Spruce Creek has overflowed it’s banks as the rush of water makes its way to Resurrection Bay. Add the high tide of 13.1 ft at 3 PM this afternoon, a storm surge and winds gusting to 35 knts and the concern continues to grow.
Neighbors are helping neighbors cope with the situation. Joe Whiting of Miller’s Landing has a boat standing by to transport residents to Seward in case of a medical emergency.
Sue Lang, 224-8237 suelang@alaska.com
Coast Guard Auxiliary to hold Elections
CONTACT: Sue Lang at 907-224-8237 PO Box 3334, Seward, AK 99664 suelang@alaska.com
Dedicated Volunteers are willing to serve for 12 more months
Seward, Alaska – - October 8, 2006 – - Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary will meet Friday, 20 October at 7 PM to elect Alan Drake Flotilla Commander and Sue Lang Vice Flotilla Commander for 2007. The special meeting will be held at the Coast Guard Moorings building in the Seward Small Boat Harbor.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 30,000+ volunteer members donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/
Where’s Campaign Central?
Does anyone know how the votes are reported to the public in this town? Are there announcements on the radio? … on line? Does anyone sponsor a “Campaign Central” where everyone can meet and listen to the results?
Coast Guard Auxiliary Potluck and Business Meeting
The Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary will meet Friday, 6 October at 6:30 PM at Miller’s Landing, Lowell Point. The evening will start with a potluck and the business meeting will include Staff Officer Reports, plans for the Festival of Trees, Safety Fair and training outline for the winter will be discussed. New member River Sheldon will be sworn in.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, and Marine Environmental Protection.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237 or visit the flotilla website at http://a1700205.uscgaux.info/.
It’s Hunting Season and the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers 7 tips to keep hunters safe
Daffy: “It’s Wabbit season!”
Bugs: “Duck season!”
Daffy: “Wabbit season!”
Bugs: “Duck season!!”
Daffy: “Wabbit season!!”
Bugs: “Duck season!!!”
Daffy: “Wabbit season!!!”
USCG Auxiliary: “It’s Hunting Season and we want you to be safe!!!”
And while we all enjoyed Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny fight over which season it actually was, they never did get around to saying that much of the hunting season is done in and around water.
Hunters that are engaged in hunting in and around water should be just as aware of boating and hypothermia issues as your average recreational boater. In fact, those hunters that use boats as platforms from which to hunt are boaters!
We encourage all hunters in and around water to follow these simple rules: Read more
Got an hour?
Well, it seems that the members of the Seward Flotilla, USCG Auxiliary have logged 5928 hours since January 1, 2006. Learn more about how you can be a part of the “A” Team at the monthly business meeting, Friday 15 September at 7 PM. The meeting is held at the USCG Shore Station in the Seward small boat harbor.
Staff officers will give their monthly reports; plans for the Health Fair, AMLOC school, Festival of Trees and boating skills class will also be discussed.
Anyone 17 and older is eligible for membership in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
For additional information on the many benefits of an auxiliary membership or to learn about other public boating programs available call Sue Lang at 224-8237, 224-5739 or 351-9110.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the civilian, uniformed volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard, as well as the lead volunteer force in the Department of Homeland Security. Founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the US Coast Guard Reserves and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. The 31,000 volunteer members (men and women) donate thousands of hours in support of the Coast Guard and Maritime Domain Awareness missions, such as Search & Rescue, Public Education, Marine Environmental Protection.
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