Each year we celebrate National Safe Boating Week with the Coast Guard. This year, as in past years, Station Fort Pierce wanted to kick off the week with an Open House. The Station Commander, CWO James Mullinax contacted Flotilla 58 and tasked the Flotilla with the responsibility of managing most aspects of the Open House. The goal was set to significantly increase attendance over previous years. FC Ron Lancour and FSO-PV Danny Davis shared the Chairmanship for this undertaking. FSO-PV Danny Davis began contacting all organizations that would be participating. With letters, personal phone calls, and visits, Danny man aged to procure twenty organizations and businesses to join the Coast Guard at the Open House. FC Lancour took on the Media. He wrote all of the PSA announcements, and after they were reviewed by Station Fort Pierce, and approved, sent them to his Media contacts. FC Lancour also informed Flotilla members of the need for a team of volunteers to staff numerous responsibilities at the Open House. The tasks would include gate watch and parking attendants, Station tour guides, video operators, and personnel to help with tours on the 87' CGC Cormorant. We needed people to assist with the 47' MLB (47310) and the Fast boats. We also needed someone to stand watch at the St. Lucie County Sheriff's helicopter that was on display, and finally to staff the Flotilla's own information tent. Flotilla 58 was fortunate to be able to get the PFD Panda outfit.

When FC Lancour contacted District 7 Director of the Auxiliary, Commander Kevin Crawley about the availability of the PFD Panda, we found that it was not booked. The appearance of PFD Panda is a big hit with children. As can be seen in the accompanying photo, where Justin Stout assures PFD Panda (FC Lancour) that he always wears his PFD while boating. Terry Barth escorts PFD Panda around the Station. Seated in the background is Patches, retired Chief James Watson, an author of several Vietnam era novels about the Navy Seals. He was on Station representing the Navy Seal Museum. The USCG Rescue Helicopter flew up from CG Air Station Miami and performed two air rescue demonstrations and Chapman's School of Seamanship showed the proper use visual distress signals hourly. At the end of the day we had 27 Flotilla members from FL58 and 10 members of FL56 who helped over 800 visitors come aboard and enjoy the Open House at Coast Guard Station Ft. Pierce.

Ron Lancour, FC, Danny Davis, FSO-PV and Bob Mercer, IPFC

Photos by Danny Davis, FSO-PV