Posted on 11/29/2020 3:18:36 PM PST by ransomnote
Wow, she must have really worked hard to reach that level and have qualified as rescue swimmer. My greatest respects were to the helo crews (always included was a rescue swimmer) who had to often go out and actually save lives!
I remember one case off the coast when a sailboat was found offshore without anyone on board in rough seas. Those spotting the pilotless vessel called the CG and the ODO dispatched a helo. The helo crew spotted the victim. Like spotting a watermelon. They dropped a rescue swimmer and were able to save a life. I think that is the only time in my 14.5 year CG career I participated in a definite life saving operation, although there were other cases that may have turned bad had we not assisted (while I was standing watch).
All the cases were analyzed for proper handling, and the tape recorder was always running, capturing the possible distress calls. I still sometimes have nightmares about missing a call, thought I never did.
I think my daughter trained mostly for “fell off the ship” situations, as opposed to the helo-in rescues. It only makes sense that you’d want someone big enough to pull anyone out, in that situation.
She trained for riot control, but the riot control shotgun knocked her right over!
later trained as a rescue swimmer,
Currious.Did finish the training ? What her rate ?
I’m not sure. She left the Coast Guard a couple of years ago and is now going to college full time.
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