it is clear that most of safety incidents have happen during first crossing.
Should we create volunteer rescue squad?
There are many boats which can be used as rescue platforms without any risk to a skipper. Hobie trimarans, slower cruising multihulls, some class 4 boats.
The squad is open to veterans with watertribe expirience.
They would start 1-1.5 hour later, keep VHF on on predifined channel and do the swipe of the possible problem areas depending on weather.
Their final time can be adjusted with special award for most fishing success.
It would be all within our goal of self-sufficiency.
It would also let the goverment concentrate on more pressing tasks, like protecting the country.
Thinking how to keep Tampa Bay crossing safe.
(6 posts) (6 voices)-
Posted 5 years ago #
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Coastie
MemberI have no problem as a competitor in assisting my fellow Tribe mate if encountered close to my vessel .....or in sight of my vessel, and I recognize someone needs help. However, I don't think any competitor should hang around after the normal start just in case someone needs assistance. Crossing Tampa Bay is a filter, but it certainly wasn't that difficult in EC2014 compared to any previous years. The general feeling, from some of us, is that the majority of the 11 or 12 rescued folks were "not prepared". Of course, there are a few equipment and quirk mishaps for even the seasoned sailors.....but when I read about reports of folks "experiencing signs of hypothermia", I realized some folks didn't have a clue about proper clothing (ie...drysuits, etc). It was not that cold this year, nor was it that rough,\; but one never knows when they might end up in the water. I'll stop beating the dead horse.
As an alternate suggestion, "if the Chief" feels it is necessary, or recommended, to have an organization "safety vessel", that vessel should be some small outboard or inboard powered vessel. Maybe a local Tribe non-competitor could volunteer. If Chief submits a Marine Event application, the sponsoring organization is asked if they are providing a vessel for safety purposes, and if a Coast Guard or Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol is requested for spectator and/or commercial traffic.
I trust the Chief in all his planning and preparation for our events.....and I have no insight, conversations, connections, or opinion concerning permits, etc. I know the Chief is in contact with all the appropriate folks....and his posting of no new rules is quite clear. I can't wait until March 2016 :)
Posted 5 years ago # -
Scareman
MemberCertainly I second Santiago's great idea to engage Eckerd College SAR.
However, the thought of having that Safety Net of a rescue boat just might be enough of a false sense of security for some of the less prepared and less skilled Challengers to shove off and cross Tampa Bay.
Countering winds and tides present more of a challenge than other conditions.
My first real experience with countering winds and tides was during an EC night crossing of Charlotte Harbor to the East side of Pine Island one year with waves breaking on my back. All 3 of us in the crossing made it, but one of the 3 of us was praying for divine intervention on every wave that hit us from behind in the dark (and that prayful person had local knowledge which I was banking on for expert guidance - be careful who you trust). I had on my drysuit and was dressed for immersion. Also that night I learned the safety whistle did not travel as far as I had hoped to wrangle the 2nd of the three back in when that paddler was lured East to the wrong red flashing light, so I paddled way to to get on the port side of that paddler and tighten up our group.
I have also learned that crossing Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay have created the most soaking conditions in my EC efforts. I now use a neoprene skirt, I have a better PFD that does not press down on my skirt and allow water to pool to seep into my cockpit. Depending on the water temperature, I donned my drysuit or wore my paddling jacket with immersion clothing through day 1 until I change into night paddling clothes. Many times I have paddled in my drysuit even when air temperatres rise.
Most importantly, each captain must be prepared to abort, to turn back or find the safest harbor or shore if conditions deteriorate or the vessel is compromised.
Sometimes the safest choice is not to launch at all and await a better launch window, or better conditions at a critical crossing, channel, or inlet!
Posted 5 years ago # -
danceswithmullet
MemberUnfortunately there is a hole in this theory. I came across two individuals in a capsized vessel and offered them safe passage aboard Finger Mullet to the north end of Anna Maria Island. They refused to leave their vessel. There was nothing I could do about their boat and I told them I would not leave without them telling me they were OK. I got a half assed OK and they were in drysuits standing in chest deep water on a sandbar so I left. I don't know the outcome but short of whacking them over the head with a tiller extension and dragging them aboard there was nothing else I could do. DWM
Posted 5 years ago # -
JoeWildlife
MemberI generally don't agree with offering advice and new rules and regulations. Folks smarter than me have advised others to just take a wait and see attitude about the whole slew of 2015 issues. Chief's sticky "no new rules" have confirmed those folks are certainly respected voices of reason.
Regarding this thread, I wouldn't and don't take any comfort in knowing that there are safety boats in Tampa Bay. It may be the first filter, but only the first filter. In 2013 Tampa Bay was only slightly challenging and I don't think it caused problems for anyone. Sarasota Bay got wild and sunk one boat resulting in multi-agency rescue resources being involved. I assisted a capsized kayak myself. But by far, the roughest conditions I experienced were in Whitewater Bay a couple days later. I think it would be counterproductive to provide "backup" in Tampa Bay...only encouraging or allowing folks to get into deeper trouble further down the course. Let the filter work, better to be reduced to flotsam and jetsam in Tampa Bay than in the middle of Whitewater bay at 9pm and alone a couple days later.
If it ain't broke don't fix it.
Joe
Posted 5 years ago #
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