St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Marine Division safely
rescues two boaters stranded in Lake Borgne
The St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Marine Division rescued two stranded boaters from Lake Borgne on Monday, safely bringing them back to shore, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
On Monday, Sept. 28, shortly after 3 p.m., Sheriff Pohlmann said, deputies received a call about a boat that had crashed into the rocks somewhere on a shoreline in Lake Borgne.
The Sheriff’s Office Communications Division and Marine Division stayed in constant contact by phone with the male and female boaters who are from Lafayette, trying to pinpoint their location.
While on the phone with the subjects, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division advised the couple to put on their life jackets and get on the rocks if they could do so safely in case the boat started to take on water and go under.
Less than one hour from when they first received a call for help, members of the Marine Division were able to locate the man and woman on the south shoreline of Lake Borgne close to Doulut’s Canal, standing on the rocks wearing their life jackets as instructed.
Their boat, which had lost power during a strong front that caused high winds and rough conditions, was almost completely submerged against the rocks.
A good samaritan from Campo’s Marina assisted in retrieving the boat for the subjects. Once back at the dock, both subjects were checked out by Acadian EMS and treated for minor injuries.
Sheriff Pohlmann reminds residents to practice safety while on the water, and that everyone on board should be wearing a personal flotation device, or life jacket.
“They are available at sporting goods and department stores,” the Sheriff said. “Everyone should be able to find one that fits.’’
Capt. Brian Clark, a retired state Wildlife and Fisheries agent who heads the Sheriff’s Office Marine Division, agrees with Sheriff Pohlmann about the necessity of everyone on board wearing flotation devices, especially children.
“It’s required that children 16 and under wear a flotation device at all times and recommended that adults wear them also,’’ Clark said. Drowning remains the biggest cause of fatalities on the water and a life jacket being worn could save a life, he added.
“Some boaters used to resist them because they were bulky and made it hard to get around on a boat,” Clark said, “but the ones made today are lightweight and easy to use.”
Before leaving on a trip, Clark also recommends informing someone of where you will be going, and approximately when you expect to return.
“Telling someone what your plans are will let them know if you are overdue so they can inform authorities,” Clark said.
Besides flotation devices, Clark said other basic rules for safety include a check of equipment before taking off. He also reminds boaters, if you have a kill switch on the motor, remember to use it if necessary.
Clark said remember to bring important items such as a cell phone and charger, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, proper clothing, enough food and water for a trip, a safety kit, sunscreen, sunglasses to guard against glare and a device that can be thrown to aid anyone who needs help in the water.
Clark also recommends staying properly hydrated.
“Drink liquids,” he said. “Don’t let yourself get dehydrated because the sun will take a lot out of you and slow your reaction time.”
For more on state boating and life jacket regulations visit www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating.
