F.O.R. workshop to discuss boat safety

http://www.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=3cf2415db14f188f

Published June 18, 2008

Friends Of the River San Bernard announces its third free community workshop. The workshop will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the F.O.R. Community Center, 20450 CR 510-B in the Holiday Shores Subdivision, Brazoria.

Representatives from the Gulf Coast Emergency Rescue Squad, Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Galveston Bay Sail and Power Squad will discuss boat handling and safety topics, including what to do and who to call in case of emergency, safety requirements for boats, rules of the water and navigation aids. The doors of the community center will open at 6 p.m. to provide time to visit before the presentation begins.

James F. Gore will make the presentation for the Gulf Coast Emergency Rescue Squad. Gore is a native Texan and Lake Jackson resident. In addition to being the president of the Gulf Coast Emergency Rescue Squad, he also serves as a board member of the Texas Coastal Conservation Association and CCA Brazoria County. Gore also is in his sixth year volunteering at Sea Center Texas and is involved with Texas Parks and Wildlife.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is sending three representatives, Vice Commander and Flotilla Staff Officer Deborah Morales; Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs Peggy White; and Flotilla Commander and Operations Officer Trevor Jones.

Morales lives in Richmond and has worked for Aramco Services since 1991. She joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in June 2003 and her duties include maintaining the vessel emergency response plans, checking maritime security levels, crude vessel position reports, Weather reports and vessel schedules. She also is responsible for identifying personnel dispatched to an incident, determining initial support operations, activating facilities, providing sleeping facilities, communications security services, facility maintenance services, demobilizing facilities and maintaining records and logs.

White of Rosenberg is a nurse and has been a member of the auxiliary for two years. She also is a retired law enforcement officer.

Jones, a West Columbia resident and law enforcement officer, has been a member of the auxiliary for five years.

Frank and Janet Boerner will represent The Galveston Bay Sail and Power Squad, a non-profit organization whose main goal is boating safety and education. The Boerners have been with the organization for eight years. Frank serves as the executive officer and Janet is the educational officer.

For information, call Pat Webb at (979) 964-4503 or e-mail pat(at)sanbernardriver.com. Click the Community Center link at www.sanbernardriver.com for a map.