How not to become the next search and rescue case
It was a beautiful sunny day as we left the marina heading up to Cabbage Key with friends from Chicago for lunch. We were at marker 24 in Pine Island Sound when I felt tightness in my chest and finding it difficult to breathe. I was too proud to say anything, as I didn’t want to ruin a splendid day on the water for my friends and family. It was most likely just heartburn anyways. I stockpile the Tums in the overhead compartment. We were cruising at 15 knots enjoying the light wind and salt air in our faces, watching for egrets and dolphins. The beautiful day reinforced our resolve why we moved from wintry Chicago.
While approaching red 40, where Pine Island Sound is the widest, I couldn’t help but notice that there was very little boat traffic that day. I thought to myself that it was nice to boat “off season” and not worry about the intentions other boaters. The only thing we had to worry about that day was the spoil areas off our port side and whether we had enough sun screen. Even the bugs were taking a holiday.
As we passed red 40 my chest pain increased in intensity. Now I was becoming very concerned. My mind wandered “If something happens to me, who will drive the boat? Does someone know how to use the radio and call for help? I think I am having a heart attack, how long will it take for me to get to the hospital?” Before I knew it, I was laying unconscious on the deck.
Although this is fiction the outcome could have serious consequences. The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts boating safety programs to address these what-if situations so the skipper, first mate or guests will be prepared for the worst case scenario.
In 2010, there were a multitude of boating accidents that resulted in terrible outcomes. Jennifer Smith, the Public Education Officer stated, “The primary causes of boating related accidents are operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, operator inexperience, operating at an unsafe speed, and absence of a proper lookout with 86 percent of all boating accident fatalities having no formal instruction in safe boating practices. The Coast Guard Auxiliary in Fort Myers Beach goal is to prevent you from becoming one of these statistics.”
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers residents of Fort Myers Beach the Boating Skills and Seamanship this January. This safe boating class is ideal for anyone, whether you’re new to boating or an experienced sailor looking to keep current on boating regulations. The class is designed to be beneficial regardless of your level of experience. The class instructors are specially trained and in qualified in boating education and safety and you’ll enjoy their many stories of first hand accounts of their experiences. It’s a winning combination of superb content and excellent instructors delivering information that you can use every day, in or out of the water.
The class meets Jan. 24, 26, 31 and Feb. 2, 7, 9, and the 14. The two-hour program begins promptly at 7 p.m. at the Lee County Community Building, 15650 Pine Ridge Rd., Fort Myers 33908. (Pine Ridge between Summerlin and McGregor). Class includes topics such as being certain you have the proper safety equipment aboard your boat, tips on trailering, navigation rules, emergency procedures and the basics of navigation.
Fort Myers Beach Boaters are encouraged to register early as the classes fill up quickly. Register today by calling 239-340-3443 or online at www.aux91fmb.org. Your investment in boating safety is only $50 per person, which includes your study guide reference manual.
Florida law requires that persons 21 years of age or younger complete a NASBLA approved boaters education course prior to operating a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more. This program meets this requirement.
Known as “America’s Volunteer Guardians”, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It boasts more than 30,000 members from all walks of life who receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Coast Guard Forces. Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security and environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youths. Auxiliarists volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.