Newest flotilla member, River Sheldon is our damsel in distress with her "baby".

Four members of the Seward (AK) Flotilla 25 participated in the “Annual Polar Bear Jump” with 13 crewmembers of the USCG Cutter “Mustang” on a recent frigid Saturday morning.

Not wanting to miss a public education opportunity, Sue Lang, VFC of the Seward Flotilla and National Safe Boating Week chair of the 17th District, wrote up a brief scenario-

Sue wrote, “The damsel is walking on the docks with her ‘baby’ when she drops the ‘baby’ in the water and then faints – also falling into the water.”

The “A Team Distress Signals,” made up of Auxiliarists and the cutter crew sprang into action.  Each participant attempted to rescue the “baby” and to draw attention to the “distress.”  A ship’s brass bell, whistles and air horns all drew the crowds attention to the action.  

Jumpers used fish nets, oars and Type IV life jackets to rescue the “baby”.  Finally, after 15 jumpers, Lt. Clint Prindle, Commanding Officer of the Cutter “Mustang,” jumped in the water wearing an orange international distress flag as a cape over his swim suit and rescued the “baby.”

The group took 4 minutes and 38 seconds to perform this skit.  Air temperature was 28° F and the water was a balmy 34° F.  Only time will tell if the many spectators got the message.