P a ge 6 t opside V olume 79 , I s s u e 2
Getting back out there …
Cynthia C Chaimowitz , DCAPT-C
In 2006 when I first started attending flotilla meetings , I was so excited with the thought of working with the recreational boating public and being part of something huge . The thought of wearing a CGA uniform ‘ correctly ’, training to make sure I was knowledgeable and the concern and safety of people in the water . I thought about this again recently when I heard statistics about people drowning and I remembered my own near drowning experience .
I was 10 years old at an all-girls camp on Long Island when the event took place . We rode our bicycles from camp to the local beach and were told by our counselors to stay in the area where the lifeguards were stationed . I did . The next thing I knew is that I ’ m being swept away and cannot get back to shore . I waved frantically to the lifeguards as my head bobbed barely above water and to the person I thought was close enough to see me . All to no avail . I don ’ t remember if I prayed for help but suddenly , I began to summersault forward under water . I began counting how many times I rolled before I scraped my legs against the sandy ocean floor . I was finally able to claw and crawl my way out of the ocean coughing and choking until I could catch my breath . I rolled 5 times under water without any air . When I retrieved my towel , I told my camp counselor what happened , and she said “ OK , stay out of the water until it ’ s time to go back to the camp . I did .
Cynthia Chaimowitz District Captain — Central
Coast Guard Auxiliary 5th District-Northern Region
A strong current ? A riptide ? I don ’ t know . I was just a kid . What I do know is we are very fortunate to have the training that we have today and can ’ t wait to get back into it . The ocean I have the utmost respect for .
WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS ! What are you waiting for , lets go !
PLEASE STAY SAFE ,
Cindi Chaimowitz DCapt Central Area