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LABOR DAY 2023
The Coast Guard Auxiliary, US Coast Guard, and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Department Marine Division worked in partnership during the Labor Day Weekend keeping recreational boaters safe on Lake Coeur d'Alene. While the active duty and sheriff's department were conducting crucial law enforcement vessel boardings, vessel terminations, boating education, etc., Auxiliarists Kathy Goodwin and Doug Harris, from Flotilla 84, accomplished the following: Awarded 11 children "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket" T-shirts, responded to a medical emergency where a man had a fish hook embedded in his thigh, advised a boater of the correct placement of an anchor and line since his was tied to a side cleat, cautioned a recreational boater that had a woman sitting on the swim platform with her feet in the water while the boat was in motion, escorted a $150,000 boat with 2 POBs to their dock due to engine vibrations, advised a boater that was tied to a "no wake" piling in the city beach swim area to untie and move out of the area, and found an abandoned jet ski hull and reported it to the sheriff's department. As Auxiliary vessel 201261 was traversing under the I-95 bridge above the Spokane River the crew noticed four young boys walking on the construction scaffolding next to the bridge. The scaffolding was approximately 60 feet above the water level. The boys were a third of the way across the thousand foot bridge when the Auxiliarists honked the horn and told them to move off the scaffolding and back to safety. They complied. Our concern was that they would fall into the water and get hurt or even drown. Thank you to everyone involved in keeping the boating public safe throughout the season and for making the final summer holiday weekend both successful and memorable.
CDA Open Water Championships 2023
On August 26, the Open Water Championships, which were held for the first time in Coeur d'Alene, included young swimmers who entered the 1.25K (9-12 age group), 2.5K (11-16 age group), and 5K (13+ age group) races. All but 2 participants out of 160 children and young adults finished the races. All events included an in-water start for the counterclockwise course with left shoulder turns at the buoys. The water temperature was 74 degrees and calm which was a perfect day for the event. The on-the-water safety personnel included the USCG Auxiliary, Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine Patrol boat and two jet skis, Life Guards on paddleboards with whistles and flags, and Swim Officials in kayaks and on boats. Due to the success of the championships, future raceswill be brought to beautiful Lake Coeur d' Alene!
CDA Swim Crossing 2023
The weather was perfect and the water sparkled like diamonds on Lake Coeur d'Alene during the annual Coeur d'Alene Crossing Swim event held on August 13, 2023. Featuring a 2.4/1.2 mile open water swim from Arrow Point to the Resort Floating Golf Course, this is a very picturesque and popular event for those that love the water. A total of 157 swimmers, with participants ranging from the ages of 8 to 82, were brought to the 0730 start of the 2.4 mile race by one of the local tour boats. When the race began, the swimmers proceeded out of the marina to the vast course that contained a channel of more than 20 buoys stretching across the lake. A second tour boat held 84 participants and traversed to the halfway point on the course in time for the 0800 race start. Only one athlete was unable to finish the race due to heart palpitations. The water safety support team consisted of kayakers, jet ski operators, and rescue boat volunteers, along with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine Division, the USCG Auxiliary, and the Coeur d'Alene and East Side Fire Departments. The team ensured that the swimmers were protected from oncoming boat traffic trying to cross the course, watched over them to make sure they were physically able to continue the race, and encouraged them to make it to the finish line. Loud cheers were expressed at the end of the course where the athletes celebrated a well-deserved victory, as well as all of the volunteers and agencies working together to make this a safe and memorable event.
Nickel's Worth Article 2023
CDA TRIATHLON 2023
458 swimmers one mile away from shore for a deep water start for the Olympic Race. The swimmers exited the
boat and went down a ramp to the barge where they stepped off the platform and entered the water. There were
four waves beginning at 0700 and continuing every 5 minutes. Kayakers, jet skis, rescue boats, including a USCG
Auxiliary boat, Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine boats and the CDA Fire Boat were on the course. At 0800, the 750
Meter Sprint Race began on a triangular course off the city beach in four waves with 197 participants. The boat team
extracted 6 people from the Olympic Race and 2 from the Sprint Race, mostly suffering from exhaustion. Auxiliarists
involved were COMO Kathy Goodwin, coordinator of the power boats and jet skis as well as communication on the
course, and Tammy King, both from Flotilla 84. "I Got Caught Wearing My Life Jacket" T-shirts were awarded to children wearing their PFDs. During the same day, the CDA Wooden Boat Show took place at the CDA Resort.
Flotilla Volunteers Help in Columbia River Events
COMO Kathleen Goodwin had the privilege of patrolling with Auxiliarists Rick McNulty and John Harrison on Rick’s OPFAC “Rose Marie”. Their assigned position was on the upper anchor line along with Auxiliarists Mary Schuck and Scott Fischer, from Oregon, on “Goose”. Auxiliarists Tom Elliott and Mark Hannibal patrolled the lower anchor line on Tom’s OPFAC “Double E”.
The purpose of the patrols was regatta safety zone support, which included intercepting numerous recreational boats
and jet skis speeding towards the lower and upper anchor lines.
There were some overloaded boats and a jet ski that sped through the course, but all in all, it was a good weekend on the water. The Hydroplane Races and Airshows were fantastic and the USCG, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and numerous agencies working together conducted a safe and memorable event.
Fourth of July 2023
The Coast Guard MSST Boat from Seattle, the Coast Guard Law Enforcement Team from Sector Puget Sound, the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine Division teamed up on Lake Coeur d'Alene for Operation Dry Water and the 4th of July Fireworks Celebrations. Great partnership, camaraderie, professionalism, and dedication kept recreational boaters safe over the long holiday weekend.
Thank You: Safe Boating Week
The below "Thank You!" message was sent by the National Safe Boating Council to Flotilla 84 in appreciation of the numerous public affairs missions conducted during this year's "Wear your Life Jacket to Work Day" and National Safe Boating Week.
Nickel's Worth Article
Flotilla 84, in conjunction with the activities of the 4th of July weekend, the below article was published on June 30, 2023 in the Nickel's Worth newspaper, which serves 27,330 customers in North Idaho, Western Montana and Spokane Valley. We hope it saves lives!!!
IRONMAN 2023
Ironman Coeur d'Alene took place on 25 JUN 23. After an early morning
briefing at Blackwell Island, members of the Boat Team traversed the
river to the swim course at Independence Point. Our Team consisted of
7 recreational boats, 5 personal jet skis, 4 sheriff's jet skis, 2 sheriff's
marine patrol boats, 1 Coast Guard Auxiliary boat, the Coeur d'Alene Fire
boat, and the Eastside Fire boat. Kayaks and SUPs were in the first
perimeter closest to the swimmers. Even though over 1300 racers were
originally registered, 1,063 entered the 63 degree water. A total
of 23 athletes were extricated from the water as they were unable to finish
the swim. The Boat Team was outstanding! They got up early to ensure
the safety of the Ironman swimmers, and their professionalism, dedication,
and expertise on the water was truly amazing!
Auxiliarists participating were: Kathy Goodwin, IM Boat Team Captain and
coxswain; Doug Harris, crew (both from Flotilla 84); and John Harrison,
trainee (Flotilla 82).
Life Jacket Safety
were distributed, questions were answered, and lots of packets with "If Found" stickers
were very popular with the paddling community. The Life Jacket Loaner Kiosk was
filled and immediately used by two children whose photo appears as they were
enjoying themselves on the rocks before heading to the water with their parents.
Another child had a photo taken at the "Expect the Unexpected" stand-up display and two
more children were wearing the "Wear It" Idaho backpacks that we gave them. Children
are our future, and it was a great day to share the importance of water safety with them.
National Safe Boating Week
Proclamation for National Safe Boating Week, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho:
Employees in every department of Super 1 in CDA supported the "Wear It !" campaign. We thank all of the employees and managers for their participation:
"Wear It!" Celebration at Cabela's in Post Falls on May 20, 2023
Flotilla 84's Auxiliarists Kathy Goodwin, Steve Bilte, and Cabela's Assistant Manager Chris Fletcher, at our Public Affairs Booth
In support of National Safe Boating Week, the staff at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho are wearing life jackets. Rev. Len MacMillan's message is: "Jesus can walk on water; if you can't, wear a life jacket!".
The information on the electronic reader board shown below was posted by Subaru in early May and will run until fall. It is in a prime spot on the corner of Government Way and Clayton Avenue, across the street from the Sheriff's office, and visible to hundreds of motorists traversing this road each and every day. We are very grateful for this outstanding partnership!!!
Another Flotilla 84 NSBW outreach includes 1,000 of the flyers shown below printed and hand delivered to DMV Offices in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls to include with vessel registrations. Also, several businesses that are interested in promoting life jacket awareness are distributing the flyers, as well as Super 1 in Coeur d'Alene where they are being placed in customer's grocery bags during National Safe Boating Week.
Vessel Inspection
Spokane Boat Show 2023
Labor Day 2022
Working together during Labor Day Weekend 2022 on Lake Coeur d'Alene, ID, the Kootenai County Sheriff's
Department Marine Division, the USCG Sector Puget Sound Boarding Team and
Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) from Seattle, and local Coast Guard
Auxiliarists collaborated in support of Operation Inland Vigilance. While
the active duty and sheriff's department were conducting crucial law
enforcement vessel boardings, vessel terminations, boating education, etc.,
Auxiliarists responded to and extinguished a fire on a pontoon boat in a
marina, towed two disabled boats, assisted a man with an injured finger,
promoted life jacket awareness, and had great interaction with the boating
public throughout the weekend. We want to express our sincere
appreciation to everyone involved in keeping the boating public safe throughout
the season and for making the final summer holiday weekend both successful and
memorable.
COMO Kathy Goodwin
CDA Patrol & Assistance
As the day progressed and the patrol went down the river and the northern part of the lake, they heard on the marine radio that there was a capsized sailboat near Higgens Point, so they headed that way to assist in any way possible. When the patrol arrived on scene, they were pleased to see our local Kootenai County Marine Deputies J. Joling and J. Shaw on their facility along with two members of the USCG, ME3 John Raphael and ME2 Jake Duffy. Using their combined expertise, the sailboat was righted, towed and brought to the dock. All people on board and their dog, when the boat originally capsized near the dock, were brought to safety. The F-84 mission was to provide a dewatering device, and lead and escort the marine boat to the dock, keeping in a position to take the brunt of the wind to prevent it from reaching the boat in tow. They also retrieved the sailboat owner's oar, lunchbox, etc. from the water and from the shoreline. It was a fantastic combined team effort with mission success. And, of course, none of F-84 days on the water are complete without promoting life jacket awareness including photos of children and a dog wearing their PFDs.
(Article by COMO Kathy Goodwin)
Priest Lake Patrol
Columbia River Races 2022
COMO Kathleen Goodwin had the privilege of serving as Coxswain on Auxiliarist Rick McNulty's OPFAC during the 29-31JUL2022 Columbia Cup Hydroplane Races held in Kennewick, Washington. This year marked the 56th time the Unlimited Hydros have raced on the Columbia River. The purpose of our patrols were regatta safety zone support which included intercepting numerous recreational boats and jet skis speeding towards the lower anchor line.
25 Years in USCG Aux
COMO Kathy Goodwin received her USCG Auxiliary 25 Year Member Certificate from FC Brad Hooper at the regular meeting of Flotilla 84 August 17, 2022.
CDA Crossing 2022
The sun shone brightly and the waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene sparkled like diamonds on 14AUG2022 during the Coeur d'Alene Crossing Swim Event, a 2.4/1.2 mile open water swim from Arrow Point to the Resort Golf Course. A total of 131 swimmers were brought to the 0800 start of the 2.4 mile race by one of the local tour boats. COMO Kathy Goodwin has organized and lead the water safety team since the race was established. Since there wasn't an Auxiliary facility available this year, she participated as a civilian. Working together with her group of kayak, jet ski, and rescue boat volunteers, along with the Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine Division, and the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, swimmers were protected from oncoming water traffic trying to cross the course, watched over to make sure they were physically able to continue the swim, and encouraged to make it to the finish line.
2022 CDA Triathlon
On 13AUG2022, the Coeur d'Alene Triathlon took place on beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. A local tour boat took 203 swimmers one mile away from shore for a deep water start for the Olympic Race. The swimmers exited the boat and down a ramp to the barge where they stepped off the platform and entered the water. Kayakers, jet skis, rescue boats including a USCG Auxiliary boat, Kootenai County Sheriff's Marine Boats and the CDA Fire Boat were on the course. At 0800 the 750 Meter Sprint Race began on a triangular course off the city beach in four waves with 178 participants. The boat team extracted 3 people from the Olympic Race and 4 from the Sprint Race, mostly suffering from exhaustion. One person experienced an anxiety attack. Auxiliarists involved were: COMO Kathy Goodwin, Coxswain, coordinator of the power boats and jet skis, as well as communication on the course; Doug Harris, DCDR 8, Crew; Brad Hooper, FC-84, Crew; and Rob Jackson, VFC-84, Crew, and facility owner.
Auxiliarists Educate Youth on Water Safety
Coast Guard educates youth on life jacket safety
F-84 on Patrol at Lake CDA
Sunday, 24JUL2022, was a very hot day with boaters, jet ski operators, kayakers, people on SUPs, swimmers, parasailers, and seaplanes enjoying beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. See below for some photos that were taken of Flotilla 84's Coxswains (Rob Jackson and Kathy Goodwin) and Crew (Brad Hooper and Doug Harris) and the wonderful people they encountered on a very successful day on patrol. (Permission was granted to use all photos.)
F-84 Auxiliarist Receives Awards
On 2JUL2022, CDR Jon Ladyga and CWO Nathan Fornicola, representing CAPT Patrick Hilbert, Commander of USCG Sector Puget Sound, had lunch with COMO Kathy Goodwin, USCG Auxiliarist, at the Best Western Hotel in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and presented her with a SECTOR PUGET SOUND COMMAND COIN as well as a MSST (MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY TEAM) SEATTLE UNIT COIN in recognition of her outstanding work. Photo is of COMO Goodwin and CDR Ladyga.
Flotilla 84 recently got recognition in the local CDA NICKEL'S WORTH paper:
IRONMAN 2022
On 26 JUN 22, the 70.3 Ironman Triathlon took place in the beautiful city of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. An early morning briefing was held at Blackwell Island Boat Ramp where an overview of the course, safety concerns, and protocols were discussed. Even though 3,700 racers were originally registered, only 2,282 entered the water. We had 33 Kayaks/SUPs, 10 PWCs, 8 Rescue Boats, 1 Southern Perimeter Boat, 2 Kootenai County Sheriff’s Marine Vessels, 2 IM Inflatables, 2 Fire boats, as well as 1 USCG vessel from Sector Puget Sound and 1 Coeur d’Alene, Flotilla 84, USCG Auxiliary boat on the course. The USCG vessel patrolled the perimeter by the Spokane River and the Auxiliary Boat served as communications with the swim course vessels as well as the IM Command Center. A total of 62 athletes (the second highest number since 2007) were extricated from the water as they were unable to finish the swim mainly due to hypothermia, but also one man had chest pains and one woman suffered from SIPE. The boat team was outstanding!
CDA Proclamation
The Mayor of the City of Coeur d' Alene, proclaimed the week of May 21st through May 27th, 2022 as National Safe Boating Week. COMO Kathy Goodwin accepted the proclamation which starts the year-round effort to promote safe boating and life jacket awareness.
VSC of a Fireboat
On 05-03-2022, James 'Doug' Harris (Flotilla 84 Coeur d' Alene member and Division 130-08 Commander) went to Worley Fire Department and did a VSC (Vessel Safety Check) on their fireboat. This is just one of the many things and events performed by US Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers to promote boat safety. Various items on a boat are inspected for being up-to-date, working and accessible such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, navigation lights, horns, signaling devices, etc. The auxiliarists also hand out various boating safety manuals.
