[Paddlewise] FW: Paid rescues?

Bob Wrote:
At what point does the Coast Guard take over from various local marine
patrols?

When I was in The Keys in January preparing to launch from a rocky shoreline
with a 1' chop, some kind of Florida marine patrol vessel (not USCG) with a
frogman standing on the bow did a "drive by" to make sure I was ok.  I gave
a friendly wave to let them know I was all right.

I see various local authorities like that all the time.  Usually a marine
branch of the local police or sheriff's department.  Any of them charging
for rescues?

-Bob Matter
Hammond, IN

I replied:

No Bob none of the authorities in your area charge for a rescue; however I
agree that there should be a serious look at that option. As a member of a
law enforcement agency in your area. (Gary Police Department) I understand
what the cost is and how much it drains agencies of much needed funds needed
elsewhere. As far as rescuing kayakers I think there were only about four
people rescued this summer from Lake Michigan in Indiana Waters; however I
can't even begin to tell you about the possible hundreds of jet skis, small
sail boaters and power boaters that needed local assistance to get back to
shore. And heaven forbid if someone goes under. You then have the cost of a
Coast Guard Helicopter, a Gary Police Helicopter and a Lake County Sheriffs
Helicopter in the air for several hours searching. Then there is the twenty
or so divers from various agencies work as a coordinated unit to conduct
search and rescue. The there are the medics standing by, the police
controlling the mob scene of news hungry reporters and other groups of
police interviewing friends and family about the swimmers last where about
and possible location. So for all of those of you paying taxes (including
myself) there should be some sort of fee charge when an incompetent boater
goes outs, wipes out and calls for help. These tax dollars could have been
better spent going after drug offenders, paying off national debt or spent
in research for cures to what ails you. Lets not raise the taxes to take
care of the weak and stupid but lower the taxes and make them pay for the
service themselves.

Sgt. W. Alan Ross
Gary Police Department
Gary, Indiana
(Lake Michigan Kayaker)



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