Coast Guard Auxiliary redesigns float plan Web site
LINCOLN, Neb. – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has redesigned its Float Plan Central Web site, which features what it calls “the world’s only lifesaving device on paper,” it reported in a recent statement.
The site, located at www.uscgaux.org/~floatplan/, was built for and is designed for use by recreational boaters, educators of boating safety and organizations that promote boating safety. It features logical organization and an exclusive easy-to-prepare and use one-page design, the group stated.
The float plan includes the Boating Emergency Guide to assist the holder of the plan in beginning a search and rescue process, should it be needed.
“Those who use Float Plan Central are taking a vital step in allowing search and rescue personnel to narrow their search and thus locate overdue persons more rapidly,” said Vern Jansky, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist who created the site. “Boaters who do not file a float plan are counting on someone else – a friend, neighbor or family member – to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need to find those onboard in an emergency situation.”
Float plans, according to Jansky, are not only for those at the helm of big expensive boats. They should also be filed by others taking to the water, including canoeists, jet skiers, rafters, rowers, sail boaters, sport fishermen and water skiers.
Jansky currently serves as Staff Officer of Publications and Communications for Auxiliary Flotilla 2 in Lincoln, Neb.
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