United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District Breeze - USCGAUX ...

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Auxiliary Assists in Annual “Paddle Florida” Event Arcle and photos by Patricia Gross UPPER KEYS, Fla.— “The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is our steadfast volunteer corps. Our Auxiliary Shipmates assist the Coast Guard with performing our many challenging maritime missions, with boating safety remaining as their core function.” These words are taken from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Policy Statement. However, we often overlook paddle craft (kayaks) as part of that safeguarding. Back in September, I was contacted by Bill Richards, of Paddle Florida, regarding their yearly “Paddle Florida: The Keys Challenge,” scheduled for January 12-22, 2012. Being a kayaker myself, I jumped at the chance to show off the dedication and skills of my new Coast Guard Auxiliary family. Without hesitation (which in retrospect might have been putting the horse before the cart), I volunteered the Coast Guard Auxiliary services to provide a safety patrol boat to accompany them throughout the 120-mile journey. Being a new Vessel Examiner, however, I also offered to conduct Vessel Examinations, as well a safety briefing by Joe Penar, Flotilla Staff Officer-Vessel Examination. Bill Richard explained that, with all of the festivities celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Flagler Train, the goal of Paddle Florida was to have 100 paddlers, paddling 100 miles in 10 days, arriving in Key West on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of Mr. Flagler and his infamous train. For more information, their website, paddleflorida.org, has a great detailed description of each leg of the trip. I never dreamt of the complexities involved in coordinating such an event. Thank goodness for Flotilla 13-8 member Conrad Sankpill! He rose to this challenge with ease, grace and professionalism at every turn. He never questioned my offer of support to this group; he just took control of the reins. Sankpill contacted the two other flotillas in the Keys needed to provide the safety patrol for the entire length of the Keys and coordinated their assistance. Paddle Florida provided us with the GPS coordinates for every stop, including their lunch stops. One day, we even delivered their lunch to a remote location and then returned to base with the coordinator and their trash. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, the route had to be modified, but I worked with Richard until we had a workable schedule and made all necessary modifications, prior to their departure. The Group Coordinator advised that the Paddlers would only have cellphones. The Auxiliary knew it was much safer to use radios, and the Paddlers soon purchased marine radios to communicate with our safety patrol boats, and designated three key boats — the lead boat, the roaming “safety/medical” boat, and the chase boat — and provided the new radios to these three. Prior to Day One, Sankpill issued instructions to all of the participating flotilla members: Bob Hoffman, David Gross, Patti Gross, Ed Miller and Conrad Sankpill. Again, at the end of each day, he issued a report, and included the other flotillas, giving everyone an idea of any issues that arose that day. I also learned that nothing like this had been performed in the Keys, and, secretly, I was thrilled to be a part of this truly historic event. Day One, was the most amazingly picture-perfect day for paddling. Fifty-seven paddlers launched their ocean kayaks, loaded with safety equipment and gear (oh, I forgot to mention, they camped all along the Continued on page 33
Volume LVIII Issue 1 Spring 2012 33 had no idea how many would want to participate. Thanks to Pat Fincannon, David Gross, Patti Gross, Jim Marcott, Ed Miller, and Al Zelinsky, the group issued 25 Vessel Safety Check decals. Many Paddlers wanted us to check their equipment but didn’t want a sticker affixed to their kayaks. The group was incredibly well prepared. Most had more safety equipment than many of us would have imagined: extra life jackets onboard, extra paddles, marine radios, GPS, multiple signaling devices and more. The gratitude towards the Coast Guard Auxiliary that was expressed by the paddlers was overwhelming! They appreciated our watchful eyes, and they had a higher sense of security knowing we were nearby. Day Three was from the Sea Base to Long Key, and the weather had taken a vicious turn. Winds were high, seas were building and small craft advisories had been issued. The group was determined to move forward. Continued from page 32 way). The mood was fabulous, as this experienced group of paddlers knew what a rare treat the perfect weather provided. This fabulous weather was truly needed, as Day One was a long, 20-mile paddle. On this day, the Safety Boat was only required to provide them with guidance for a safe passage in shallow areas during low tide. Day Two, Safety Vessel Examiners met the group at the Florida Boy Scout Sea Base to provide a Safety Briefing and perform to Vessel Safety Check of their paddle crafts and their safety equipment. Joe Penar was amazing in securing a sufficient number of Examiners. We were limited by the daylight hours and really On this day, the crew did provide an assist. One kayak got caught in the trough of a wave and was flipped. The chase boat arrived very quickly to lend assistance, but it was obvious that both the cold and force of the water had startled the paddler. The Auxiliary vessel quickly got the paddler aboard the boat, along with his kayak. They managed to drain the water from the kayak, and, after the paddler warmed up, they launched him back, and he was able to safely continue with the group to Long Key. From the daily updates received by the Marathon and Key West Flotillas, the group arrived at Fort Zachary State Park on time and without further incident. The number of Auxiliary members who participated was extraordinary! This complicated and complex effort came off smoothly and efficiently. The dedication of the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard Auxiliary is exceptional and I am proud to be a part of this amazing and supportive group. Ω Capons: Facing Page: The paddlers enter John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo, Fla. This page: Pat Fincannon (top) and Ed Miller (below) perform Vessel Safety Checks on the kayaks making the 100-mile journey down through the Florida Keys in January 2012. Photo by Patricia Gross Click to Watch Video
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United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 7th District Breeze - USCGAUX ...

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