[CINC] A well handled situation averts potential tragedy

[Kenneth A. Tatro]

Yes, Brava, Chatherine,

Thanks, Dave, for this fine report, very appropriate teaching moment, and most appropriate recognition of Catherine's ongoing outstanding performance as a mentoring Naturalist, both in the class room and in the field. This time, it was of a critical situation in the field, carried out with the professionalism Dave describes.

Cahterine, you have always been a mentor to me, and this just serves to demonstrate its continuance, with aplomb.

Your are not only loved and deeply respected as a person, but also as a senior mentoring Naturalist for both the Park and the Sanctuary. 

It is indeed a privilege to be counted as a member of a group in which you are a significant mentoring leader.

Ken Tatro


On Aug 21, 2011, at 11:37 AM, David_Begun at nps.gov wrote:

> 
> 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
> 
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