U.S. Coast Guard sponsors boaters safety course

Boaters and other water lovers turned out at the Mandeville lakefront May 17 for a refresher course on water safety.

Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Lake Pontchartrain Sail & Power Squadron, the event was held as part of National Safe Boating Week.

Demonstrations were given on knot tying, as well as how to properly fit and wear a life jacket. Free vessel checks were also performed to ensure boaters have the minimum required safety equipment.

“There are no fines involved, we just want to make sure people know the rules of the water,” said Cmdr. George Sougeron III, flotilla coammander for U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 42. “The primary thing is the life jacket.”

Louisiana state law requires all persons under age 13 to wear a life jacket at all times when aboard a boat. Sougeron pointed out that life jackets should be stored unpackaged, individually fitted and readily available for use by the crew.

A 25-foot Coast Guard patrol boat was also on display, outfitted with emergency dewatering pumps and life rafts. Known as a “safe boat,” Sougeron said the boat is used in all kinds of weather for both law enforcement and rescues.

An exciting in-water rescue demonstration was also given, using the HH-65 Dolphin helicopter. A short-range recovery aircraft, the chopper was retrofitted with dual turbine engines, which, according to Sougeron, gives it 25 percent more lift.

“In people terms, that means three or four more lives saved on each trip,” he said.