Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay conducts surf drills in early season swell

DATE: September 16, 2009 1:57:16 PM PDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

		Eleventh Coast Guard District
Photo Release	DATE: CONTACT:	Sept. 16, 2009 Petty Officer Erik Swanson (510) 772-8865
Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay conducts surf drills in early season swell
BODEGA BAY, Calif. – Coast Guard motor lifeboat crews from Station Bodega Bay conducted surf training with a 47-foot motor lifeboat Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009. Motor lifeboat crews took advantage of an early season swell that brought consistent 15-foot surf to the area. The crews train to ensure they are prepared to respond to distress calls and maritime emergencies during storms that bring high seas and heavy weather. Stations Bodega Bay, Golden Gate and Humboldt Bay are three of 19 designated surf stations in the Coast Guard where specially trained boatswain's mates known as surfmen operate the 47-foot motor lifeboat under extreme weather conditions. Surfmen typically stand duty or recall 84 hours a week and they make up the smallest operational specialty in the Coast Guard today. The 47-foot motor lifeboat is designed as a first response rescue resource used in high seas, surf, and heavy weather environments. These boats are built to withstand the most severe conditions at sea and are capable of affecting a rescue even under the most difficult circumstances. They are self-bailing, self-righting, almost unsinkable, and have a long cruising range for their size. ###