And while the cost of everything has gone up, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla here can proudly proclaim one thing definitely has not – free vessel safety checks.
Officer Dickey Reece stated, “Although free, the value of life that maybe saved by taking advantage of a vessel safety check program today is priceless.”
And you can save on your insurance costs. On Saturday, July 31, Officer Reece and his team will be conducting boat safety checks, commencing at 7:00am at the Lake Barkley Marina and at Prizer Point Marina.
Both are located on the eastern shores of Lake Barkley. They can be examined in the water or on their trailers. Dickey can be reached at 270-271-2185, or email dickeyreece@bellsouth.net for further details.
Life jackets are a must...and do save lives. Sizes do matter according to officer Robert Schaaf.
“Choose only U.S. Coast Guard approved, matching the correct size for the weight of the person. Use the ‘touchdown test’ to see if they fit properly. Lift your arms above your head as if calling a touchdown,” said Schaaf. “The chest portion of the jacket should not touch the chin when looking either left or right over your shoulder. And most importantly, ensure that proper sizes for all infants and children are on board, and that they have a crotch strap to keep the life jackets on, along with an oversize collar to keep the head out of the water.”
If there are any concerns, contact Bob at schaaf@bellsouth.net.
Officer Roger Humbert reminds everyone that “not long after September 11, 2001, America’s Waterway Watch public outreach program was born for the purpose of reporting suspicious activities on area lake waters to local law enforcement agencies by calling 911”.
Humbert stated that “with everyone staying alert, security can be better than ever, with more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 290,000 square miles of water, and more than 70,000,000 recreational boaters maintaining a watchful eye.”
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established on June 23, 1939 by an act of Congress as the United States Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary on February 19, 1941. The Auxiliary is an incorporated, civilian volunteer component of the United States Coast Guard.
The Congressional mandates state that the Auxiliary supports all USCG missions, but is not permitted to directly engage in either law enforcement activities or military combat operations.
The support provided by the Auxiliary in these situations can be administrative and it can be in areas that make available, either active or reserve members of the USCG.
As a volunteer, an Auxiliarist is not paid a salary and participates in activities at her or his own discretion. Auxiliarists may be reimbursed for expenses incurred when they are under orders from the Commandant.
Unlike the active duty and reserve components of the USCG, Auxiliarists are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Historically, the primary missions of the Auxiliary have been providing free Vessel Safety Checks, boater education and USCG operations supplement.
Annually, members donate millions of hours in support of USCG missions.
For more information, please visit www.americaswaterwaywatch.org.
This press release was submitted by Roger Humbert, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Lake Barkley Flotilla No. 87.
