Another way to reach children on boating safety is through television. Catherine worked with a local program call "Kids Can Cook". The producer puts a 10 minutes safety spot at the end of each program, and she wanted an Auxiliarist to discuss 10 rules for safe boating. Catherine met with her and about eight children, ages 7-10 on a fishing boat. Her ten rules included not running on the dock and how to board safely, listening to the captain, where it is safe to sit on a boat, and the use of life jackets. Also discussed safety issues like locating the fire extinguishers and keeping hands and feet in the boat when departing and docking the vessel.
Robert Hook was given a "Friends of Education" award organized by the Monmouth County Education Association in 2016. His name was submitted by the Naval Science Department at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, based on Sandy Hook. It was a well-deserved award as Robert has been at the helm organizing the class schedule and teaching chapters of the About Boating Safely course to the sophomores at the high school for about 20 years. Robert McNamara, Dan Smuro and Catherine Dudley also teach various chapters. It is very well received and these high school students earn the New Jersey Safety Certificate when the course is completed.
So this year ages five to high school sophomores have been introduced in some manner to boating and safety in and on the water. Proud to be part of the USCG Auxiliary, it is wonderful to be able to work with students of all ages to promote safety on the water, whether it be in a backyard pool or on a boat or personal water craft.
This is an important mission for Flotilla 02-06, located at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center in Monmouth Beach, NJ. This building was Life Saving Station No. 40, established in 1895.
for All Ages
Catherine Dudley FC 02-06