Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Bi-monthly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security
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a summary of newer life vests including: • A suspendervest, similar to a slim horseshoe collar, with a toggle for inflation • Automatically inflating suspender vests that stay relatively cool. If you fall off the paddleboard and hit the water, it automatically inflates • Fanny pack vests Stuart offered a few common sense tips complementing regulatory requirements to enhance preparedness on the water, including: • attachment of a Personal Electronic Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon (PEPIRB) to your life vest. A PEPIRB is a specialized radio transmitter that acts as a locating beacon, transmitting information to satellites or military aircraft, which helps rescuers locate your position • making provisions for hydration and protection from sun and wind • having a float plan and sharing that info (when/where you are heading and for how long) • paddling with a buddy, especially on open water or in remote areas "Paddleboarders should also exercise the same fuel and energy requirements as boaters," he says. "Use one-third of your energy for your trip out, one-third of your energy coming back, but always keep one-third for contingencies such as exhaustion, current, tidal, wind or weather changes." Stuart also suggested consideration of a board leash, which keeps the board attached to the paddler at the ankle. "It can be a true lifesaver, especially in open water," he says. He stressed that preparation is the key to optimal safety while underway, offering a few more safety tips: • take a boating safety class and train to be a strong swimmer • familiarize yourself with navigation rules • check the weather, tidal and current conditions before heading out • be alert and keep an eye out for floating debris and other hazards, swimmers, boaters, and other Paddleboarders • attach a whistle or air horn to your life vest in case you need to quickly summon help or garner attention • know that a light is required for paddleboarding after dark • remember it is illegal to operate a vessel while under the influence Wright, who conducts and oversees a robust outreach program recommends having your safety gear inspected free of charge by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and taking boating safety classes to help develop sound judgment on the water. Story and photos by PAC Judy Silverstein, 7th District Public Affairs California Maritime Academy receives Above and Beyond Award The California Maritime Academy received the 'Above and Beyond Award' from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) state committee at a ceremony held at the academy in April. The award recognizes employers at a local level who provide support and cooperation to their employees who serve the nation. A Coast Guard reservist, Petty Officer 3rd Class Blaine Meserve-Nibley, a marine science technician assigned to the Pacific Strike Team in Novato, Calif., and a student at the Academy, nominated the school to receive the award after returning from a one-month deployment to New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy. During the response, Meserve-Nibley was part of a team that responded to pollution threats from debris and boats that washed ashore after the storm. "While deployed, you worry about everything at home, but the staff provided support and made everything easier," said Meserve-Nibley. "I didn't have to worry about school and was able to focus on the work that needed to be done." Meserve-Nibley missed six classes while deployed, but the school allowed him to make up the classes through extensions on assignments and finals. Carlos Trevino, the California area chairman for ESGR, said few employers receive this award, and they are nominated by employees who appreciate how they were treated while activated for military duty. "Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units," said Trevino. The award was accepted by the California Maritime Academy president, retired Navy Adm. Thomas Cropper, who said he was personally honored. "It is a testament how our faculty step up and help our students stay on track," said Cropper. Submitted by PA3 Loumania Stewart U.S. Coast guard Petty offcer 3rd Class Blaine Meserve-nibley, with the national Strike force's Pacifc Strike team, assesses the damaged area for pollution hazards in South amboy, n.J., nov. 24, 2012. Meserve-nibley was a response member with the Superstorm Sandy Pollution Response Unifed Command assessing environmental impacts as a result of the storm. Photo by Chief Petty offcer andrew Ksenzulak. Issue 2 • 2013 � RESERVIST 13