HERE WAS an article in the paper about two
more toddlers who drowned in pools. Flotilla
26 had just presented their last "Water and Kids" program at the Monmouth Day Care Center, in Red Bank, NJ. There were two groups of children, between 20-30 in each group, Their ages were six and under. Robert Hook and Catherine Dudley addressed the little ones on the floor, and went over important topics like swimming with a buddy and always having an adult with them. Pool or ocean, it was stressed never to swim alone. Thinking back to their enthusiastic faces, they could only hope that these children would remember these lessons.
Anne Terhune and Joan Creveling, who have long passed over the bar, started this "Water and Kids" program about 25 years ago. Robert Hook took over and has worked with it for about 19 years. Now with the help of other flotilla members, they visit five elementary schools near the end of the school year. The teachers look forward to the program as a sign that summer is approaching. There is a program for the kindergarteners, and a more in depth program for the third graders including things like rip tides, and more on the parts of a boat and safety on the water. The children are always enthusiastic, and eager to share their stories, which would sometimes embarrass their parents.
Other topics covered include safety around the pool area, listening to the lifeguards, safety equipment on a boat, and a demonstration on wearing life jackets. Students selected by their teacher come up and put on the jackets, and sizes and types are explained. One of the favorite activities is guessing what is in a bag, when with a bit of play acting, Catherine says, "I'm going to the beach, can anyone guess what is in my bag?" She first states the she doesn't carry bathing suits, towels or beach toys - that is their job. The children eagerly come up with: water, suntan lotion, a hat, a first aid kit, sun glasses, and bug spray. The use of a whistle for the adult to call the attention of a lifeguard is also explained. Over 333 students were addressed with this program in the 2016 season.
Boating and Water Safety
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Above, Robert Hook FSO-VE 02-06 and Cathering Dudley FC 02-06. Right: A well-deserved expression of gratitude from one of last year's classes.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary photos
OVER THE BOW Fall 2016
US Coast Guard Auxiliary photo
US Coast Guard Auxiliary photo