us coast guard auxiliary

Newsletter Publication of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray, SC
April 2015
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray, South Carolina
www.uscgaux-lakemurray.com
Flotilla Island, Johnson Marina Road, Chapin, SC
Page
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray, South Carolina
Flotilla Island, 2390 Johnson Marina Road, Chapin, SC
Visit us online at
www.uscgaux-lakemurray.com
Newsletter Staff: Editor Barbara Burchfield,
John Mezynski, Russell Jernigan, Calvin Bowen
LAKE MURRAY MARINER is the official newsletter of
the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-3 and is
intended as a publication to keep the membership
apprised of the activities of the Auxiliary. All articles
and photographs submitted must be consistent with the
policies of the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary and may
not be returned.
N 34° 06’ 23.7”
W 081° 18’ 54.1”
Photo by Michael Mikutaitis
SEVENTH COAST GUARD DISTRICT COMMANDER
Rear Admiral John H. Korn
DIRECTORY OF AUXILIARY DISTRICT 7
DIRAUX
Commander William E. Seward
DISTRICT SEVEN
Commodore
Chief of Staff
Robert Weskerna
Judith Hudson
U.S. COAST GUARD SECTOR CHARLESTON
Deputy Commander
CDR Brian Falk
U.S. COAST GUARD STATION CHARLESTON
Senior Chief
BMCS Justin Longval
Executive Petty Officer
BMC John Palmer
AUXILIARY LIAISON
Sector Charleston
Station Charleston
LT Jeffrey Prebeck
BM1 Travis Rogers
AREA SECTOR COORDINATOR
ASC
Lyle Letteer
DIVISION 12
Commander
Vice Commander
John Murphy
John Owen
Personal information of members is protected by the
Privacy Act of 1974. The use of these rosters, addresses and telephone numbers on any computer or online
service including the Internet is prohibited by the Act.
2015 FLOTILLA 12-3 LEADERSHIP & STAFF OFFICERS
Flotilla Commander
Vice Commander
Festus Burchfield
Clay Goodwin
Flotilla Staff Officers:
Communications
Communication Services
Diversity
Finance
Human Resources
Information Systems
Marine Safety
Materials
Member Training
Operations
Public Affairs
Publications
Public Education
Program Visitors-RBS
Secretary/Records
Vessel Examinations
Kenneth Plesser
Barbara Burchfield
Peggy Peterson
Barbara Burchfield
Festus Burchfield
Michael Mikutaitis
Scott Iverson
Michael Mikutaitis
Barbara Burchfield
Festus Burchfield
Bill Lindsay
Barbara Burchfield
Kent McCoin
Scott Iverson
Lucy Wingard
Clay Goodwin
On the cover: Kent McCoin, Public Education Staff Officer, completes student documents and certificates for the About Boating
Safely class held March 21st at Flotilla Island.
Photo by Barbara Burchfield, Public Affairs Specialist I
Flotilla Meeting Minutes are published online in the
Member Zone: www.uscgaux-lakemurray.com
INFORMED  ENGAGED  VALUED
Page 2
Special dates & events
APR 6 - 7
Vessel Safety Checks at Ft. Jackson
Contact Clay Goodwin, VFC
APR 18
About Boating Safely Class
0830 at American Legion Post 193
102 Old Lexington Rd., Chapin. Contact Kent McCoin, FSO-PE
APR 18
Vessel Safety Check Day - Academy Sports-Harbison
Contact Scott Iverson, FSO-PV
APR 18
Division 12 Meeting at Santee Cooper Corporate Office
1 Riverwood Drive, Monck’s Corner
APR 27
Flotilla Meeting 1900 at Flotilla Island
MAY 2
South Carolina Boating Fatalities Memorial Service,
Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1430 North Lake Drive, Lexington
MAY 16-22
National Safe Boating Week
Contact John Mezynski, Chairman
MAY 26
Flotilla Meeting 1900 at Flotilla Island
(changed to Tuesday due Memorial Weekend)
JUN 27
Vessel Safety Checks 1000 at SouthShore Marina
JUN 29
Flotilla Meeting 1900 at Flotilla Island
JUL 20
4H2o Water Science Camp, Clemson University Extension Service
Flotilla Island 09:00 - 12:30
JUL 27
Flotilla Meeting 1900 at Flotilla Island
AUG 01
Great Portage Race, Dreher Island State Park
Contact Festus Burchfield, FC
Flotilla 12-3 members will be notified by email of Island Cleanup days and other special events.
For your privacy: Access AuxDirectory https://auxofficer.cgaux.org/auxoff/index.php for members email addresses and phone numbers.
Page 3
Festus Burchfield, Flotilla Commander
In addition to sequestration, we bear the
uncertainties of conducting official business due
to congressional fiscal budget constraints. Despite the start/stop/start again that occurred this
month, we have accomplished quite a bit:

Vessel Safety Check day at Academy SportsSandhill on 14MAR

About Boating Safety Class at Flotilla Island on
21MAR

Palmetto Sports Classic at the State Fairgrounds on 27-29MAR with Flotilla 12-1

Team Coordination Training Refresher at
30MAR flotilla meeting

Lake Murray Safety Consortium meeting
30MAR
During the month I also met with flotilla,
division and surface operations leadership in
Florida. The Auxiliary flotilla level activities account for the vast majority of direct support to
Coast Guard missions and the recreational boating community. Flotilla members are the greatest
asset to the Coast Guard RBS core mission with
direct contact to boaters and the community
through public education classes, marine dealer
visits, vessel safety checks, marine safety and environment outreach, and other programs. Thank
you for your participation and support.
The Great Portage Race has been moved
from late September, a conflict with the District
Training Conference, to August 1st. The Navy
League, sponsor of the Sea Cadets event, has requested that I be Lead Coxswain this year and
that Barbara return as Public Affairs Lead, as she
did in 2013. An additional two or three additional photographers will be needed for the event
which has grown significantly with the number of
divisions, cadets, and activities this year. More
information to come later.
The 4H2o Water Camp has moved from
the first week of June to July 20. We will introduce a new marine environment module into the
boating safety messages that we normally offer.
We’ve noticed that the Director of Auxiliary (DIRAUX) office reorganization is making
progress in some areas, such as re-offers for use
of operational facilities and some surface operations equipment. New facility offers of use are
taking longer and member ID card renewals
seem to be an ongoing problem. DIRAUX is
working diligently with some very dedicated
Auxiliary volunteers to provide an efficient and
professional working system for all District 7
members. The volunteers undergo significant
and specialized training in order to serve as specialty responders to your requests. My hat is off
to each of them.
Coast Guard dining facility meal rates will
change on May 1, 2015 at all station galleys.
Coast Guard Auxiliary members in uniform and
on orders will be afforded Standard Meal Rates.
Auxiliarists not in uniform and not under orders
will charged an additional $3.05 for the Full
Meal Rate. The meal rate changes being implemented within the Food Service Program (FSP)
in FY-15 are necessary to meet ongoing Coast
Guard (CG) budgetary constraint and legal statutory requirements.
On behalf of Flotilla 12-3, our thanks go
to members who manned the flotilla booth at the
Palmetto Sportsmen's Classic with me this past
weekend: Russ Jernigan, John Mezynski, Clay
Goodwin, Barbara Burchfield and Flotilla 12-1
members William Hayes, John Owen, and Perry
Moses.
Also, thanks to Billy Lindsay for donating
a new flotilla banner that was the perfect backdrop in our booth to let the public know who we
are. There were many inquiries and a lot of interest in the Auxiliary at the Sportsmen’s Classic.
Page 4
Program Visitation_________________________
Scott Iverson, FSO-PV
Vessel Examinations____________________
Clay Goodwin, FSO-VE
Program visits have been hampered by a lingering winter of cold and rain, even a little snow, and
some viruses that don’t seem to go away so easy.
As the weather improves and the sun warms us,
I’m sure our Program Visitors will be out and
about with their brochures.
We have a number of vessel safety check days
on the schedule.
Carry a small bag of brochures in your vehicle just
in case you find yourself at or near a marine dealer.
Be sure to let marine dealers and boat owners
know about this fire extinguisher recall. All fire
extinguishers in the recall will have a black plastic
valve and all recall details are in the VE/PV
“What’s New” section online.
KIDDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER RECALL (Feb 2015)
Academy Sports at Harbison - April 18
Contact Scott Iverson to participate
Fort Jackson - April 6 & 7
Annual vessel safety check event. New base
security requires me to submit the names of
everyone needing base access. Contact me if
you plan to participate in one or both VSC
days.
SouthShore Marina - June 27
Contact me
Other locations We have been asked to conduct vessel exams
at other private locations and I will send notifications of those events to all Vessel Examiners and trainees by email. Let me know if you
want to be included in the email notices.
Uniform required: ODU (no substitutions)
If you use social media channels you’ll want to
know about #GetMyVSC, a new hashtag created by Auxiliary University Programs (AUP)
student Berhilo Galvan to spread the word
about boating safety checks and practices
ahead of Safe Boating Week.
Communicating in a modern way, sharing the
hashtag is another way to let boaters know
that the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers courtesy
vessel safety checks.
Scott Iverson, Festus Burchfield and Barbara Burchfield operated the first Vessel Safety Check station of the year at Academy
Sports - Sandhill on a cold and wet Saturday, March 14.
Boaters can have a safer, more enjoyable experience with the knowledge that they have
all the required safety equipment aboard.
INFORMED  ENGAGED  VALUED
Page 5
Public Education________________________
Kent McCoin, FSO-PE
Operations________________________________
Festus Burchfield, FSO-OP
The March 21 About Boating Safely class was
full with several students on a waitlist.
Between the rain showers and cold weather,
we finally launched Voyager on 23MAR. Anyone interested in patrols and/or crew training
should contact me to be included in the email
notices for patrol opportunities. ODU are
required until the summer hot weather uniform is in effect.
Instructors and aides who
supported this class: Kent
McCoin,
Clay Goodwin,
Festus Burchfield, Clay
Goodwin, Barbara Burchfield, Ken Plesser, Steve
Pstrak, Joe Richbourg and
Billy Lindsay.
Two members are in the final stages of qualifying for Instructor certification and two more
are being in the process of requalifying as
Instructors.
Our next boating safety class is Saturday, April
18 at American Legion Post 193 in Chapin. Call
me if you want to instruct or help with these
classes.
Member Training_______________________
Barbara Burchfield, FSO-MT
Completed:
 Team Coordination Training (TCT-1) at the
30MAR flotilla meeting by Al Crothers
 Clay Goodwin completed final qualifications
at the 21MAR boating safety class to become
certified as Instructor.
 Joe Richbourg instructed two chapters at the
21MAR class for Instructor re-certification
 Burnette Sheffield completed the Good Mate
online course
In training:
 3 members - Program Visitation
 3 members - Vessel Examinations
 1 member - Information Services
 2 members - Instructor
 3 members - boat crew/coxswain
A new U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was
signed by CDR Bryan Falk with an effective
date of March 1, 2015.
One major change is the introduction and
mandatory requirement for Qualifying Examiners (QEs) to perform at least 4 underway night
hours.
** To receive patrol orders in the Sector
Charleston AOR, coxswains shall demonstrate
proficiency in night navigation by successfully
performing task COX-09-04-AUX as part of
their initial or triennial QE. Annually, a minimum of four hours of night operations will be
required for maintenance and currency requirements. Each Division shall maintain an
updated file of their respective coxswains to
ensure eligibility**
This night operation requirement has already
been in effect in other Coast Guard sectors and
has been talked about for at least a year at
Sector Charleston. It would be a good idea for
all coxswain to record their night underway
hours in the Auxiliary Order Management
(AOM) “remarks” area in addition to keeping
their own records.
Coxswains who find their Personal Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacon (PEPIRB) is
out-of-date or needs a new battery should visit
the District 7 Help Desk for replacement instructions.
INFORMED  ENGAGED  VALUED
Page 6
Finance Officer_____________________________
Barbara Burchfield, FSO-FN
Public Affairs_______________________________
Billy Lindsay, FSO-PA
Let’s start off with a big Thank
You to Billy Lindsay for donating a new banner for the flotilla!
The 2 x 6 foot banner has the
USCG Auxiliary logo with Flotilla
12-3 Lake Murray prominently
displayed and easy to read. The banner will be a
great asset for community events, vessel safety
checks days and parades.
Media news releases, local advertisements and
handouts at the Sportsman Classic helped fill
the April 18 boating safety class.
News 19 WLTX reporter stopped by our March
21 ABS class. The reporter did a video of the
class and interviewed Barbara Burchfield, Public Affairs Specialist I. The news video was aired
that weekend promoting boating safety.
Marine Safety_______________________________
Scott Iverson, FSO-MS
As a fireman, I find marine safety to be very interesting and a good fit with my career in safety.
Thank You to FC Festus Burchfield who donated
$125.00 towards the purchase of ABS books. He
also bought and donated a new faucet for the
men’s room at Flotilla Island.
This month we ordered another 20 About Boating
Safely books for our April class, making 50 books
purchased this year for two classes. All members
in public education deserve a round of applause
for not only educating boaters but for providing
support and funding for the flotilla.
At the March 30 flotilla meeting, a motion was
made and carried to order 20 more ABS books
when it becomes necessary.
Materials____________________________________
Michael Mikutaitis, FSO-MA
Two cases of ABS books were ordered this
month.
My goals for 2015 include constructing a pollution display board to be used at 4H2o and all
other training opportunities; to network with
SCDNR and Sector Charleston to develop a robust marine safety program; to develop educational components to be shared with the flotilla
and accessible on the flotilla website; and to
promote the Sea Partners Program in our area.
Information Services______________________
Michael Mikutaitis, FSO-IS
Still waiting for notification of being accepted
into the AUX-10 Information Services
(AUXDATA/AUXINFO) class 30APR-03MAY in
Raleigh, N.C. The C-School travel and attendance for the four day class is under Coast Guard
orders and will not be expensed from flotilla
funds.
Reminder: When you send your 7029 form, be
sure to check both boxes at the bottom: SO-IS
Susan Hastings and FSO-IS Michael Mikutaitis.
Since I’m in training Susan is entering all member hours. Thanks.
INFORMED  ENGAGED  VALUED
Page 7
USCG Boating Safety Division
welcomes new staffers
Fast Facts

Coast Guard District 7 responded to more
than 60 flare sightings in June, July and August 2014, costing an estimated $5.3 million.

455,000 American jobs are supported by the
recreational fishing industry according to
National Marine Manufacturers Association
(NMMA).

Approximately 40 percent of the U.S. corn
crop is used to make ethanol fuel.

It is illegal to use E15 ethanol fuel in marine
engines.
http://www.epa.gov/OMS/regs/
fuels/additive/e15/e15-mmp.htm

Recycling one plastic bottle can save enough
energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for six
hours.
U.S. Coast Guard Share
The U.S. Coast Guard's Boating Safety Division
recently welcomed two new members:
Tom Dardis joined the Program Operations
Branch as the Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Coordinator. Dardis retired last year with
30 years of active duty military service, with his
first tour as a deckhand on the USCGC Eagle,
and his last tour as the Afloat Safety Specialist
assigned to the Safety and Environmental
Health Program at CG Headquarters. In between those two tours, Dardis enjoyed a highly
successful and heroic career as an Aviation Survivalman, as he was one of the first-ever Coast
Guard Rescue Swimmers after successfully
completing the USN Rescue Swimmer School in
1986.
Man Over Board
Jeff Decker started working in the Program Operations Branch as a Recreational Boating Safety Specialist. Decker served 22 years of active
duty military service with the USCG, eight years
with Virginia's Boating Safety Program, and
eight years as owner of a company that has provided boating safety education services.
National Safe Boating Week
May 16-22, 2015
John Mezynski is the NSBW Chairman for Flotilla 12-3 and will coordinate events, activities and
proclamations for the month of May.
William Carter, Vice Commander
- Flotilla 12-8
Charleston, has been appointed NSBW Chairman for
2015 Division 12 activities
and events.
The Coast Guard's Boat Crew Seamanship Manual
illustrates several maneuvers for recovering an
MOB. (From left) The Destroyer Turn, the Anderson Turn and the Racetrack Turn are illustrated.
Reference: Coast Guard Boat Crew Seamanship
Manual www.bit.ly/1Ks99J0
load)
(19MB down-
Coast Guard Auxiliary boat crew members
complete the Auxiliary Boat Crew Qualification
Program including extensive training for onwater tasks such as man over board. Certification is achieved following a successful Qualification Examination of all required tasks.
Page 8
Russ Jernigan, John Mezynski, Clay Goodwin, Festus and
Barbara Burchfield represented Flotilla 12-3 at the
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic the weekend of March 2729.
We successfully connected directly with the public to
promote RBS programs and safety messages. Well done!
Page 9
SCDNR is serious about boating safety.
During the weekend of March 27-29, DNR
unveiled its Boating Virtual Trainer at the
Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic.
The BVT
captured the attention of all ages who lined
up to operate it.
Captain Billy Downer, SCDNR Law Enforcement Education, and Festus Burchfield, State
Liaison Officer and FC 12-3, were pleased
with the performance features of the simulator. Several menu options offer scenarios
designed to teach operators how to handle a
boat, recognize buoys and markers, and teach
basic boating rules.
A new trailer houses a modified Pioneer
center console boat with the BVT simulator to
give boaters a near-real experience. The BVT
mobile unit will ensure the most exposure.
Page 10
At the February 23 flotilla meeting, Scott Iverson
presented a marine environment and safety
presentation highlighting these major topics:





USCG marine safety mission
Water resources
Prevent environmental damage and pollution
Aquatic nuisance species (ANS)
What can Flotilla 12-3 do?
With our local area in mind, Scott talked about each
topic and suggested several ways how Flotilla 12-3
Lake Murray could help with pollution prevention
and provide education about invasive plant species
such as hydrilla, Illinois pondweed, water primrose
and the alarming migration of zebra/quagga
mussels.
Marine safety and environmental outreach from
Flotilla 12-3 will focus on these key programs:

Support the USCG marine safety mission
Pollution prevention
Protection of natural resources

Sea Partners program

Education, Awareness and Outreach
Boating safety classes
Vessel safety checks
Program visits
School classroom presentations
Community and civic events
Scott has initiated contact with USCG Charleston
and the Sea Partners program.
Members interested in joining the marine safety
team can contact Scott Iverson.
According to SC DNR, the principal focus of managing ANS in South Carolina has been directed at
nuisance aquatic plants, exotic mussels, and exotic
fishes. Historically, non-native species have been
introduced to South Carolina through direct
stocking, aquascaping, shipping, aquarium releases
and bait releases. Some species also “hitchhike” on
boats, motors and trailers.
South Carolina waterways:
 521,00 acres of lakes
 750,000 acres of estuaries
 200 miles of Atlantic shoreline
The map below shows locations of zebra/quagga
mussels in 2010 from its initial finding in 1988 in
the Great Lakes. The mussels cause damage to
infrastructure and eliminate other native species as
they migrate from state to state.
Page 11
Aquatic nuisance plants known as Water
Hyacinth have overtaken a large segment of a
private marina on the Arlington River, a
tributary of the St. John’s River in Florida.
Photo taken 3/04/2015 by Barbara Burchfield.
This is what happens when nuisance plants rapidly populate and
overtake other life forms and areas. Visit SCDNR’s web link for
more information specific to South Carolina and for homeowner’s
guidance to combat these species.
Water Hyacinth - Environmental and Economic Concerns
 Populations double in as little as two weeks
 Disperses by seeds and stolons
 Harbors mosquitoes
 Increases sedimentation by shedding roots and shoots
 Dense mats prevent air and light diffusion into water killing native plants, fish and wildlife preventing decomposition of detritus
 Mats jam against bridges and flood control structures
 Reduces property values and local tax revenues
Source: University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
Two photos at right courtesy of SCDNR.
Page 12
ABOUT UNIFORMS
As an Auxiliarist, you enjoy certain honors and privileges, among them, wearing the Auxiliary uniform and flying the Auxiliary Ensign. Wear the uniform neatly and correctly and fly the Blue Ensign
proudly. Remember that your conduct reflects directly upon the image of both the Coast Guard and
the Auxiliary.
Auxiliarists are asked to review and comply with the uniform standards as set forth in Auxiliary Manual Chapter 10 in the USCG Auxiliary Manual (AUXMAN) M16790.1G (7.22MB).
Reminders….

No part of the uniform distinctly belonging to the Coast Guard Auxiliary
may be worn with civilian clothing

Uniforms should be up to date; do not wear out of service uniforms or
accessories
Boating Safety Class
A recreational boating safety class
taught by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
APRIL 18, 2015
Saturday 8:30am –5:00pm
Class will be held at American Legion Post 193
102 Old Lexington Rd, Chapin, SC 29036
Congratulations to Roger Deaton who received
the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Award for
Operations Training Team 2014 at the March
30 flotilla meeting.
Happy Anniversary James Harrington who
celebrates 10 years this month as a U. S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary member.
Pre-registration is required by April 16
Class size is limited to 30 students.
Cost: $30.00 per person
For more information and reservations contact
Kent McCoin (803) 318-0071
Email: [email protected]
Page 13
2015 BOATING ACCIDENTS
These boating accident briefings are made courtesy of the Boating and Waterways Section of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation. Several cases involve vessels less than 25 feet - considered “high focus” vessels on your vessel safety check forms. Sharing this information reinforces our commitment to
promoting recreational boating safety wherever and whenever we can.
Monroe County 1/6/15: At approximately 9:00 a.m. a 43-year-old male departed from Murrays Marina on Stock Island for
a day of commercial fishing. The vessel he was operating, a 25 foot Mako, was found south of Key West with the anchor deployed, taking on water, and no occupants or signs of distress onboard. The USCG, FWC and Sea-Tow have searched the area
for the man, but have not been able to locate him.
Wakulla County 2/14/15: Two men were traveling in a 14 foot jon-boat with stick steering. They were on the Sopchoppy
River in the vicinity of Ochlockonee State Park. The 67-year-old operator let go of the steering control to get a soda, the vessel made a sharp turn to the right ejecting the operator and his 69-year-old occupant. When the operator surfaced, he saw
the occupant holding onto a PFD and asking for help. The operator swam back to the vessel and then idled over to the occupant. The occupant became unresponsive while attempting to climb back into the vessel. The operator held onto the occupant and towed him to the river bank and started CPR. After a few minutes the operator went to get assistance from a gentleman fishing on the bank at the park. They called EMS before going back to the occupant. They were able to get the occupant into the vessel and return to the park and meet EMS. The occupant was not able to be resuscitated and was pronounced
deceased.
Pasco County 2/17/15: Two men were on a 27 foot commercial shrimp vessel approximately nine miles offshore. The operator, 29-years-old, made a Mayday call at approximately 12:30 a.m. stating that the vessel was sinking. Search and rescue
efforts were conducted and the occupant, 17-years-old, was rescued at 11:00 a.m. He was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital and treated for abrasions, hypothermia and dehydration. He reported that he was wearing the only PFD that was
onboard and that the operator made him put it on. They had planned on holding onto each other, however a wave separated
them and the 17-year-old could not locate the operator. The body of the operator was located at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Glades County 2/19/15: A man and woman were in a 20 foot open motor boat on Lake Okeechobee. Approximately two
miles from Indian Prairie, the male operator slowed the vessel and turned around due to the rough conditions. Waves began
pouring over the stern and the vessel quickly submerged. The two did not have PFDs on and were heavily clothed. The male
became exhausted and slipped below the surface. The female was able to hold onto some floating debris and was rescued a
few hours later. The body of the operator was located on 2/22.
Marion County 2/27/15: A homeowner on the bank of Lake Oklawaha was in his backyard when he heard someone calling for help on the lake. He saw a man in the water and a vessel running in circles. The homeowner called 911 and went to
help him. Before the homeowner could reach him, the man became unresponsive and was floating face down in the water. The homeowner was able to recover the man and bring him to shore where EMS were standing by. The man, 67-yearsold, was pronounced deceased. The vessel was later stopped from spinning circles. A cursory look in the vessel, a 13 foot
G3, revealed the throttle was at approximately the ¾ forward position and the bilge plug was not installed. Additionally the
required safety equipment was onboard, the operator was not wearing his PFD.
Alachua County 3/14/15: Two men were in a 15 foot Glasstream bass boat on lake Lochloosa at approximately 12:30
p.m. The 34-year-old operator and his 52-year-old occupant were going to a new location to fish. While operating the vessel, they noticed it was taking on water near the stern. The two men moved to the bow of the vessel in an attempt to balance
it out. The occupant then fell into the water. The operator got a PFD and attempted to throw it to him, but the occupant was
unable to reach it. The occupant slipped under the surface of the water and the operator swam after him, He was unable to
locate the occupant. While the operator was searching for the occupant the bass boat capsized. The operator swam back the
bass boat and was able to climb on top it. He was later rescued by a Good Samaritan. The body of the occupant was located
at approximately 7:15 p.m.
Martin County 3/15/15: Two men were in 16 foot kayak on the Loxahatchee River in the vicinity of Jonathan Dickinson
State Park. One of the men, 20 years of age, stated that a wave caused the kayak to overturn, sending him and his 21-yearold occupant into the water. Both men were wearing PFD’s at the time. While attempting to swim to the shore, the 21-yearold reportedly removed his PFD stating he could not swim with it on. The 21-year-old later became exhausted and slipped
under the surface of the water. The 20-year-old was able to swim to shore and get help. EMS responded, but they were unable to resuscitate the 21-year-old.
Page 14
Flotilla 12-3 Lake Murray - 2015 Leadership
www.uscgaux-lakemurray.com
Flotilla Commander
FC
Festus Burchfield
Vice Commander
VFC
Clay Goodwin
Communications
CM
Kenneth Plesser
Communication Services
CS
Barbara Burchfield
Diversity
DV
Peggy Peterson
Finance
FN
Barbara Burchfield
Human Resources
HR
Festus Burchfield
Information Systems
IS
Michael Mikutaitis
Materials
MA
Michael Mikutaitis
Marine Safety
MS
Scott Iverson
Member Training
MT
Barbara Burchfield
Operations
OP
Festus Burchfield
Public Affairs
PA
Billy Lindsay
Publications
PB
Barbara Burchfield
Public Education
PE
Kent McCoin
Program Visitation
PV
Scott Iverson
Secretary/Records
SR
Lucy Wingard
Vessel Examinations
VE
Clay Goodwin
Flotilla Staff Officers
Special Event Appointments
Chairman, National Safe Boating Week
John Mezynski
Parade Coordinator
Stephen Pstrak
Members are invited and encouraged to become Staff Officer Assistants and team members. We also need grant
writers, mentors, member training specialty instructors, and volunteers to help with special community events and
projects. Contact the Staff Officer, Flotilla Commander or Vice Commander with your area of interest . We’re better
with all of us working together.
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