NAWILIWILI – The Nawiliwili Yacht Club launched a free public service program Saturday with the installation of personal flotation devices (PFD) at their Keiki Don’t Float station situated between the US Coast Guard station and the boat launch ramp at
NAWILIWILI – The Nawiliwili Yacht Club launched a free public service program Saturday with the installation of personal flotation devices (PFD) at their Keiki Don’t Float station situated between the US Coast Guard station and the boat launch ramp at the Nawiliwili Small Boat Harbor.
The brainchild of NYC members Woody and Karen Cole, the program was born after the Coles saw similar programs in a harbor in Alaska. The idea was reinforced when they traveled to Washington and saw a similar program in place there.
Woody Cole explained that through the generosity of club members here and on the mainland, NYC was able to launch this program on Saturday.
“The PFDs are from a California member who sent us a monetary contribution,” Woody said. “The remainder was taken care of by the NYC.”
“Raney Warburton, another NYC member created the sign, and the stain-less steel rack and footing was contributed by a local boat builder.”
Once all the components were gathered, Woody said NYC members gathered to pour the cement and install the rack in preparation for the Saturday launch of the program.
The personal flotation devices available include sizes from Adult-small to Child-small, and Cole said, “Hopefully, people will do the right thing and return them after they are done with their boating trip.”
All of the PFD available comply with current U.S.Coast Guard standards, Woody said. Shortly after the U.S.C.G. adopted these standards, the state followed suit and it is now law that any child under 12 years is required to wear a PFD.
The placard that tops the inventory of PFD also warns that use of a PFD does not preclude any adult or parental supervision over young boaters.
It also asks that any boater who has outgrown a PFD is welcome to contribute them to the NYC who will oversee the program. The NYC runs regular programs of boat races for boat enthusiasts, but also supplements their races with family-oriented activities including the popular Beach Day which is scheduled for April. This will be followed by the annual Father’s Day fishing tournament that is open to the public and hosted by the club.
For more information, log on to the Nawiliwili Yacht Club’s Web site at www.nawiliwiliyachtclub.org.
