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| UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 68, YONKERS NY DIVISION 6 1ST DISTRICT SOUTHERN REGION |
| 68's Auxiliarist Barbara Schulz Rescues Kayaker |
| On October 9th 2010, 68's Auxiliarist Barbara Schulz (above center) was at the Shinnecock Inlet, Hampton Bays, Long Island on a fishing trip with her brother, Gerard and his wife, Kim. While they were fishing, Barbara noticed two kayakers, a man and a woman, paddling in the choppy water of the inlet. Neither of the kayakers wore personal flotation devices, despite 63F degree water temperatures, a 10-15 knot wind, and 5-6 foot swells. Suddenly, the man's kayak capsized. After several attempts to right the kayak, the man gave up and hung on. Barbara immediately went into action. Directing her brother and sister-in-law to weigh anchor, Barbara had Gerard position the boat downwind and down current. And, at the same time, Barbara had Kim stand watch, always keeping an eye on the victim. By the time the boat was in place, the victim was nearly exhausted. He could barely swim and all that could be seen of him was his head above the water...his mouth open gasping for breath. Barbara assisted the man into the boat and wrapped him in a towel to keep him warm. His female companion, who stood by during the rescue, then attempted to paddle back to her launching site (except she couldn't remember in what direction her launching site was). Moments later, a Coast Guard rescue boat (above left) arrived, having been summoned by a passerby who had witnessed the event. Barbara identified herself as an Auxiliarist, briefed the coxswain, and assisted in transferring both kayakers to the Coast Guard vessel. A Sea Tow operator who witnessed the event take place, passed by Barbara's boat and shouted, "Nice rescue...you did what needed to be done". This event not only highlights the importance of wearing a personal flotation device while boating, it also underscores the need for individuals to take safe boating courses before venturing into the water. The training Barbara received in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary combined with her quick thinking saved this man's life. It's just another example of The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in action. Bravo Zulu Barbara!!! A special thanks to Barbara's sister-in-law, Kim Zapien, for submitting the photos of the rescue. |
| Several Auxiliarists from 68 (above) were on hand at the J.F.K. Marina in Yonkers on March 26th to see 68's new facility (below). |
| District Commodore Hal Marshall (second from the right) awarded 68's Barbara Schulz (center) the Coast Guard Auxiliary's 2010 Bogen Award for her rescue of a kayaker at Shinnecock Inlet on May 10, 2011. Standing with Barbara (from left to right) is Div. 6 VCDR Lynn Glassman, Aux. Jim DiPelesi, and Div. 6 CDR Lou Liotti (far right). See below for details of Aux. Schulz's rescue. |