Stay afloat; Joint Task Force safety and Port Security Unit 305 join forces to promote water safety

Photo By Master Sgt. Blair Heusdens | Army Spc. Cody Black of Joint Task Force Guantanamo operates a personal water craft in U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, March 22. Black understands that wearing a life jacket while participating in water sports is essential to the safety of all Troopers and residents. Joint Task Force Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the Global War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and, on order, responds to Caribbean mass migration operations.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

04.10.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Emily McCamy 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Water safety is a serious topic when it comes to working and playing in and around the waters of U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. As a measure of protection, the Joint Task Force Guantanamo safety office, in conjunction with Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305, hosts boating and water safety seminars available to all personnel.

"The JTF safety officers approached the PSU commander and inquired about supporting a boating safety event," said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Zavanelli, executive officer of PSU 305. "We were happy to help."

The Coast Guard unit comes well prepared — not just by default — but because many members of the unit have additional civilian certifications and skills that make them an authority on water safety.

The purpose of these events is to educate the public about the importance of safe boating, proper life jacket selection and to provide simple solutions for stranded boaters.

Some of the safe boating topics include; filing a float plan, environmental and weather awareness, and the danger of alcohol consumption while underway.

"Any time you get in a boat, you should tell someone where you're going," Zavanelli explained. "If you don't return, the float plan gives us a place to begin our search and rescue mission.

"People can fall off without warning, especially when they're boating under the influence," Zavanelli continued. "If you wouldn't [drink] while driving your car, you shouldn't do it in a boat."

A selection of life jackets are on hand to demonstrate how to ensure a proper fit, especially for children.

"People often buy life jackets thinking [children] will grow into them," Zavanelli said. "If [a child] falls in the water and the life jacket is too big, they'll slip out of it."

Inspecting watercraft, especially rental craft, is an important way to prevent potential water hazards and protect Troopers from damage charges they did not incur. With some basic knowledge, even a novice can learn to identify safety considerations.

"We have our engineers there to explain common troubleshooting techniques, which boaters can perform on their engine if the boater is having trouble," Zavanelli said. "Our engineers are outboard motor experts and can teach people to inspect their boats before leaving the marina."

The water safety expos also provide members of the naval station and JTF, who own personal watercraft, a free boat inspection.

"A courtesy marine examination is a non-law enforcement project. You can bring your boat, we'll inspect it with you, offer suggestions and check your life jackets," Zavanelli said. "It reinforces the boating safety message in a positive way."

For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil.

• Date Taken: 04.10.2009
• Date Posted: 04.14.2009 15:52
• Story ID: 32393
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU