U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Sierra Division 11

Date: August 18, 2009
Division: Sierra Division 11
DCDR Name: Diana Kincade

HIGHLIGHTS
1. Division 11 Training and Picnic – August 8, Station Lake Tahoe
2. Regatta Patrol Activities
3. QE Sessions
4. Public Affairs Activities
5. Vessel Exam Activities
6. 2-Boat Training with Station Lake Tahoe
7. Cooperation from Nevada Department of Wildlife

DETAILS
1. Over 60 Auxiliarists, Coast Guard and guests from various marine units on Lake Tahoe attended the Division 11 Training and Picnic held at Station Lake Tahoe on Saturday, August 8. Thomas J. Nuckton, MD, MS, Critical Care Attending, Sutter Health System, San Francisco, CA, gave a fascinating presentation on his research of cold water immersion hypothermia. The National Weather Service Reno spoke on local weather patterns at Lake Tahoe and the valleys of Reno and Carson City. Auxiliarists, spouses and guests were treated to a hands-on fire extinguisher demo given by the North Tahoe Fire District. A spectacular pot luck picnic followed the presentations. Weather cooperated with a beautiful day at Lake Tahoe.
2. Operational Activities
a. Regatta Patrols – Facilities from all our flotillas have provided safety zone patrols for the following events since mid July: Trans Tahoe Swim July 18, Big Blue Adventure Kayak Race Aug 1, and the Ta-hoe Nalu Paddle Classic Aug 15. We have 5 more regatta events planned for the month of September; some needing multiple assets and ACU. The organizers of the kayak, stand-up paddle boards, and swimming events have become very appreciative of our presence at their events.
b. All flotillas are conducting safety, ATON, PATON, training and 2-boat CG training patrols.
3. Member Training
a. Jerry Collins conducted an 8-Hour TCT class to 16 Division 11members and 1 active duty Coast Guard from Station Tahoe.
b. QE Sessions – July 25 we qualified 2 boat crew, and re-qualified 1 coxswain. We have requested a QE Day for Sept 13 for 1 initial coxswain, three initial boat crew and two 3-year boat crew re-qualification.
c. Flotilla 11-03 has concluded their AUXNAV class.
4. Public Education Activities – We are still having difficulty filling boating safety classes. Flotilla 11-03/05 conducted an ABS class on August 1. Due to lack of attendance Flotilla 11-01 canceled their August 1 ABS class.
5. Public Affairs Activities
a. Flotilla 11-05 had a booth at the Carson City National Night Out on August 4. The purpose of National Night Out is to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, community safety, emergency preparedness, generate support for and participation in, local anticrime programs and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
b. The Bonanza and Sierra Sun, local newspapers, ran an article on the increase of our Vessel Safety Check activities at Lake Tahoe.
c. Dee Dee Kincade DCDR and Jack Leth SO-OP took the publisher and editor of The Weekly, a local Lake Tahoe and Truckee publication, out on Lake Tahoe for a day to discuss the missions of the Auxiliary. A detailed article on the Auxiliary was written in the newspaper on July 28 and on their blog Lake Tahoe Boating http://www.tahoeboating.blogspot.com/.
6. Publications - Vic Beelik SO-PB is working with Nevada Department of Wildlife to design and print a pamphlet for Lake Tahoe on the legal requirements of kayaks and other non-motorized sports vessels (SUBs).
7. Vessel Exam Activities – As of Aug 18 our Division has conducted 750 VSCs. This is an increase of 336%, up from 223 conducted last year. This year we have 13 new Vessel Examiners and 4 who have re-qualified. 14 VEs have 20+ exams.
8. Fellowship – Flotilla 11-05 is having their summer picnic on Sept 6. Flotilla 11-04 is having their summer picnic on Sept. 12.
AGENCY INTERACTIONS
1. At the request of the ANT-SF several ATONS on Lake Tahoe were verified and pictures were taken on July 20.
2. We continue to provide 2-boat training for Lake Tahoe. 6 trainings are scheduled through the end of August. July 29 we participated in a CG Coxswain qualification and briefing.
3. Division contributed to a baby shower gift for our Auxiliary Liaison to BM2 Potter.
4. Nevada Department of Wildlife has agreed to print copies of our “On Board and Informed” and “Play it Safe – Cold Water Immersion” pamphlets for next boating season. They have also agreed to help design and print a new pamphlet outlining the legal requirements for non-motorized vessels (SUBs).
5. Division and Flotillas are recognizing the accomplishments of Fred Messmann from Nevada Department of Wildlife during his retirement party on Sept. 19.

UPCOMING EVENTS, DATES AND LOCATIONS
1. 29AUG Flotilla 11-05/04 South Lake Tahoe Air Show
2. 5-6SEP Annual Lake Tahoe Outrigger Canoe and Kayak Race
3. 6SEP Flotilla 11-05 Picnic, Reno, NV
4. 7SEP Fireworks, South Lake Tahoe, CA.
5. 12SEP Flotilla 11-04 Picnic, So. Lake Tahoe, CA
6. 19SEP Big Blue Adventure Race (Kayak), Tahoe Vista, CA.
7. 25SEP Lake Tahoe Marathon (Kayak), South Lake Tahoe, CA.
8. 27SEP Fannett Island Sailboat Race, Windjammers Yacht Club, S. Shore
9. 27SEP Tahoe Fall Classic Paddleboard Race, Camp Richardson, CA
10. 28SEP Division Meeting (1900) Elections, CG Station Lake Tahoe