Search and rescue has been one of society’s noblest traditions for hundreds of years ... mankind is predisposed to help those who are lost or endangered.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 23, Guardians of the Lake, will participate in the Southwest Search & Rescue Exercise at Lone Mesa State Park near Dolores, Colorado June 12 through 14.
 Sponsored by K-9 Rescue Team Inc. and Colorado State Parks, this unique event allows SAR groups to share knowledge and skills in the classroom and in hands-on-situations. Teams that train together work better in emergencies and communicate more easily to the benefit of all involved.
The Auxiliary has the opportunity to network with a variety of local SAR teams as well as several state and federal agencies. Instructors from Flight for Life, Mesa Verde National Park and Rocky Mountain Trackers among others will share experience on subjects as diverse as ATV safety certification, tracking, orienteering and helicopter safety.
Ian Vowles, Auxiliary Flotilla Commander, has extensive on-the ground, training and administrative experience in Search & Rescue operations. He previously served as a Director of the Colorado Search & Rescue Board and Commander Colorado Mounted Search & Rescue , a well respected Mounted SAR unit in the region. Vowles will function as Auxiliary Team Leader at the SAREX.
Flotilla 23’s Member Training Officer, Len Schlesinger, a U.S. Coast Guard Certified Instructor, will team with Brian Sandy, Colorado State Boating Law Administrator, to Teach “Overboard!”. This class is designed to acquaint participants with search and rescue equipment and operations in typical western lake environments. Schlesinger is a Coxswain in the Auxiliary and is certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to teach their Search Coordination and Execution course.
On Navajo Lake both in Colorado and New Mexico waters U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 23, Guardians of the Lake, assists boaters in distress on the water, teaches basic and advanced boating skills, performs free Vessel Safety Checks and conducts search & rescue (SAR) operations, provides support to State Parks Marine Officers. We also act as a force multiplier for SAR operations when authorities require a marine platform. Visit our web site or send questions to info@guardian23.org .
Celebrating our 70th anniversary in June 2009, the 30,000+ men and women of the Auxiliary can be found on the dock, in the classroom, on the water and in the air promoting safe boating and in support of the United States Coast Guard. In 2008, Auxiliarists volunteered over 4.4 million hours to benefit boaters and their families. On an average day, Members execute 91 search & rescue missions, save 3 lives, assist 41 boaters in distress and save property valued at more than $420,000. |