U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary Public Affairs
Date: May 21, 2012
Contact: Christopher Todd
Public Affairs Officer
|
Email: ctodd@auxpa.org
News Release
Recreational boaters become
first responders to auto accident
OCONOMOWOC,
Wis. – Recreational boaters are credited with saving the life of a 25 year-old
woman who was seriously injured in a single car accident on Saturday, May 19. An SUV driven by a 29 year-old man and the
woman left Highway 16 and rolled several times down an embankment into the
Oconowomoc River.
Recreational boater Steve Hummer was one of the first people
on the scene. He had just finished launching
his boat at a nearby ramp when the crash occurred. He quickly got underway and headed to the
scene, where he saw the bloodied driver exiting the vehicle, and the woman
floating face down in the river.
Just then another boat of fisherman rounded the corner. One of the men jumped out of the boat and got
the woman’s head above water, holding her until rescuers arrived. Hummer helped shuttle the rescuers to the
scene and transport the victims to air ambulance helicopters waiting on the
highway.
Okauchee Lake Fire Department Chief Tracy Steele said they
are lucky boaters were in the area, according to TODAY’s TMJ4 in
Milwaukee. Steele called the men heroes.
“Boaters often find themselves in unique situations to
render assistance in times of emergency,” said Tom Nunes, Director of
Government and Public Affairs for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. “Having the presence of mind to stay calm,
operate your vessel safely, provide first aid, and efficiently communicate with
rescue personnel, are all paramount when lives are on the line.”
Boaters interesting in learning more about maritime search
and rescue operations, and recreational boating safety, are invited to contact
their local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla or visit cgaux.org for additional
information.
The U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary created by an Act of Congress in 1939 is the uniformed
civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard supporting the Coast Guard in nearly
all its missions. For more information on the Coast Guard
Auxiliary, please visit cgaux.org
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