[CINC] A well handled situation averts potential tragedy

[David_Begun at nps.gov]

This past Saturday evening Catherine French was on Anacapa Island as the
CINC overnight volunteer. She was the only official person out there and
had a full campground. At 6:00 P.M. she was approached by a camper/kayaker
who notified her that others in their party were kayaking near arch rock
and were in distress, unable to make it back to the landing cove. The
kayakers did not have wetsuits and had three people on a double kayak, one
of whom was a young child.These kayakers were given multiple orientations,
briefings and warnings during their stay on the island, but still got into
a situation requiring assistance.

Catherine immediately, and in a very professional manner, initiated a
coordinated response via park radio that included myself, protection
rangers, Sequoia dispatch and the U.S. Coast Guard. This all resulted in a
successful return of the kayakers to the landing cove without injury. This
situation could easily have escalated into a tragedy, but that was averted
by Catherine's quick and appropriate actions.

I want to publicly thank and applaud her good work. This event also
highlights the importance of giving good orientations as well as knowledge
of emergency procedures and proper radio use. I urge all of you to review
these sections of the training manual so that if you end up in a situation
like the one Catherine faced you can handle it just as well, increasing the
chances for a happy ending like the one on Anacapa yesterday evening.

We are primarily on the island as naturalists, but we do fill a larger
function as well. Preparation pays off.

Dave

David Begun
Channel Islands National Park
david_begun at nps.gov
805-658-5731