[Southsider2k12]

http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte...f93a4b4f61.html

MICHIGAN CITY | The U.S. Coast Guard wants people to know how to be safe in and on the water, and the effort appears to be paying off.

"Educating the public has gone a long way," said Josh Jurgens, USCG boatswain's mate 2nd class. "Fatalities and boat accidents have really decreased."

As part of the education efforts, the USCG Station at Michigan City hosted an open house Sunday to teach people about water safety and the role the Coast Guard and other agencies play in keeping them safe.

The event kicked off National Boating Week, which runs through Memorial Day.

It was expanded this year to include the Michigan City Fire Department, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the New Buffalo Police Department.

"We want everyone to see us working together," Jurgens said. "We're all on the same page, and we're all here to help."

Jurgens said boaters can do several things to stay safe including making sure life jackets are "serviceable," having flares on the boat, acquiring a marine radio and tuning it to channel 16, and not exceeding the .08 blood-alcohol limit, which is the same for driving.

He also recommends boaters have a "float plan," which informs someone on land of the location to where they are sailing and the time they plan to return.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary conducts free inspections of any size boat to ensure all safety equipment is in good working order, said Keith Engstrom, public affairs officer and auxiliary member.

Swimmers can stay safe by wearing a life jacket, listening to lifeguards and reading posted signs that inform of conditions such as rip currents.

"If you're not a good swimmer, wear a life jacket," Jurgens said. "And listen to the lifeguards. Most accidents happen because someone didn't listen to a lifeguard."

Jurgens said the Coast Guard at Michigan City -- which patrols from Warren Dunes to Gary -- conducted 67 search and rescue missions last year, which included boats that had overturned, collided, hit submerged objects or been overtaken by quick moving storms.

There were six swimming fatalities last year, he said.

The event on Sunday included tours of Coast Guard boats and a HH-65 Rescue Helicopter, hands-on activities such as throwing rescue lines, and information on water and boating safety provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

J. Van Smith and his daughter, Charity, 8, of Michigan City, chatted with Coast Guard personnel before taking a tour of a boat.

The Smiths were visiting the nearby zoo when they saw a Coast Guard helicopter making a landing.

"I thought someone had drowned," Charity Smith said. She was happy to find out it was part of the safety show.

"I like learning about the boats and the gadgets on the helicopters," she said.

[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/0...2e644390265.txt

Event addresses beach, water safety issues

By Tim Moran
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, May 28, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Every year, on the Friday before Memorial Day, a task force of local and national emergency services puts on a demonstration for area elementary school students on beach and water safety issues.

This year, about 250 youngsters from Lake Hills and Pine elementary schools participated in Friday morning’s Beach Expo at Washington Park beach that included presentations from the local fire department, police department, park department, U.S. Coast Guard, American Red Cross, Emergency Management, La Porte County Sheriff’s Department and La Porte County Emergency Medical Service.

Many of the five- to 10-minute presentations were similar to what has happened in years’ past, but the American Red Cross had a different approach this year.

“Members of the American Red Cross brought mannequins and did a brief course on CPR,” said Jeremy Kienitz, Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department recreation director. “It was a little different than what they had done in the past and was very informative for the kids.”

One of the more popular demonstrations came from the fire department, which brought its fire engine.

“The kids loved that,” Kienitz said.

The Beach Expo, he continued, is a great chance for community members – not only elementary students – to learn about beach safety issues.

“It’s a great event,” he said. “I wish more people from the community would have come out.”

This year’s expo was held on the final day of National Beach Safety Week, which was celebrated May 23-27.