CONTEMPORARY MATTERS OF HOMELAND SECURITY,
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND OTHER MUSINGS
DRAFT - THIS IS A NON-PUBLIC PAGE
The information on this page is an example of how a small 3-hour activity can be written up, and photos added to make it more interesting, to demonstrate Flotilla activities (to the public, to the Flotilla members, to the Division, and others), and to demonstrate and help build a "body of history" showing what the Flotilla and the Aux does.
Boating Safety Courses Resume in Jacksonville
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Completes First Post-COVID Instruction
(15 May 2021) With the strict COVID-19 safety precautions lifted, Flotilla 14-8 (Jacksonville, FL) held its first public boating safety course in over a year. The class was the “Florida Boating Safety Course," which provides an overview of, and best practices for, motorboat safety. Those who complete this course, qualify to obtain a Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the State of Florida.
The class was held for 11 members of the public and instruction took place in a state of the art classroom courtesy of the Reynolds Park Yacht Center. It was taught by members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and took place in partnership with Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
In 2019, the Coast Guard counted 4,170 accidents that involved 610 deaths, 2,560 injuries and approximately $55 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Classes like the Florida Boating Safety Class aim to educate boaters and therefore mitigate accidents, deaths and property damage.
The Reynolds Park Yacht Center is located in the city of Green Cove Springs within the boundaries of the Reynolds Industrial Park. This location is home to heavy-duty large ship repair and storage, among other commercial and industrial enterprises. There are both rail and air activities there (including a 5000’ runway). The 1,900 open area provides storage for oversized objects—including a NASA Space Shuttle external fuel tank. Reynolds was previously known as Naval Air Station Lee Field. This was America’s largest training base for fighter aircraft which entered the Pacific theater. It was home to WWII pilots such as General Roy Geiger, the father of Marine Corps aviation, and the Black Sheep Squadron pilots. After WWII, its deep-water slips became home to America’s largest mothballed fleet of over 600 combat and supply ships.
Recreational Boating Safety is the first of the many missions of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary offers free training, and free Vessel Safety Checks so boaters can ensure that they have all of the required boating safety equipment aboard. To learn more about boating safety, or to learn more about joining , please visit www.safeboatingjax.com.
Photos from the Day's Activities Below
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