ASHTABULA —
As a busy summer boating season comes to a close, the Ashtabula station of the U.S. Coast Guard is preparing for a winter of training.
“We provided 34 search and rescue cases. We had 13 lives that we directly saved,” said Petty Officer Second Class Bill Campbell. He said the capsized vessels are always a challenge and get the heart racing.
“Every call is a rush of adrenaline and uncertainty,” Campbell said of search and rescue operations. He said you are asking yourself questions regarding how long the person has been in the water, how did it occur and other important details.
“You are not only fighting that uncertainty, you are fighting the clock,” Campbell said.
He said marine radios are extremely helpful in rescue operations. “If the mariner can eliminate the search (by providing exact location) they have already helped in the rescue,” Campbell said.
Weather conditions, during the next month, can lull boaters to sleep. Temperatures in the 70 degree range lure boaters on to Lake Erie, but they forget the water temperatures are significantly colder, Campbell said.
“The water is only 54 degrees,” Campbell said. He said a boat capsized in 54 degree water can lead to hypothermia very quickly.
Another important function of the Coast Guard is boat inspection. “We did approach 200 safety inspections (up from 135 last year),” Campbell said. He said the inspections involve making sure all mandated safety equipment is on board, including life jackets and other important items.
He said most boaters are prepared and are aware of appropriate safety procedures. He said one boater went above and beyond the call and had laminated copies of what to do in an emergency and appropriate safety numbers posted on the boat.
The Coast Guard also works with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and area fire departments on training exercises throughout the year. Ice training, if we have ice, is a central focus of winter activity.
Joint operations with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol also are an important part of Coast Guard life. Campbell said the station made 10 boardings of commercial vessels coming to area ports before they arrived.
Campbell said it is important for boaters to dress appropriately for cold weather if they do choose to go out on Lake Erie during colder weather.
He said the Coast Guard urges boaters to file a boating plan with their friends or families so the Coast Guard can cut down the search area as quickly as possible.
Local News
Coast Guard preparing for winter on Lake Erie
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