Worcester County Search & Rescue Team, Inc.
Safety Tips for Year 2008 - Scroll down for current posting...
                                            THINK SAFETY FIRST
If you have a Safety Tip you feel needs to be posted, please contact us at our Email address and submit a Safety Tip. We will post and add your name and organization.
SHOVELING SNOW TIPS... (Feburary 2007)                                                
...If you have a history of Heart trouble, be sure you have talked to your Doctor
before your take on the task of shoveling snow.
...Drink plenty of liquid before you start. Dehydration is just as big an issue in cold winter months.
...Dress in several layers so you can remove a layer as needed when you get hot. Always Dress properly, have good warm Gloves and a Hat & Scarf. Wear a pair of waterproof boots or good safety shoes (no slick bottom shoes). Wear Safety Glasses (if possible)
...Its a good idea to warm up your muscles by walking or stretching before you start shoveling
...USE THE RIGHT SHOVEL! A smaller blade will require you to lift less snow, less stress on your back and arms. Don't shovel allot of snow at one time, take small portions.
...Pace yourself, start shoveling slowly and don't rush. Protect your Back by lifting correctly.
...When shoveling, bend the knees (not the back), tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow and avoid fast twisting movements. Watch for ice slicks as you move to shovel.
...If you need to move the snow to one side reposition your feet to face the direction the snow will be going.
...If you get tired or out-of-breath, take a break. After a period of time, stop and stretch.

Submitted by Bob Whitman, MRSP Team Member, WCSART
Learn CPR...
HANDLING LINES WITH A 'RING' ON YOUR FINGER... (April 2007)
A Picture says a thousand words...See below. Boating Public please note.

From David Morin, USCG Auxiliary, Vice Captain, Division 10, Worcester, MA
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VESSELS OPERATING ON THE COAST  (May 07)
...Homeland Security info:
Bill Latimer - WCSAR Team Inc.
LIGHTNING OVER WATER (June 07)
The danger of lightning poses a major problem to all boaters and mariners. A direct lightning strike can damage or destroy a vessel possibly killing or injuring those on-board causing severe damage to navigation and other electronic systems.

...Lightning can strike almost anywhere!
...Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a storm.
...If you see Lightning, get off the water ASAP.
...If you are in the middle of a Lake, head to the shore line.
...Keep away from metal objects.
...Stay out of the 'head' or shower.
...If you are in Port, turn off engine and all electrical power.

...PUT ON YOUR LIFE JACKETS! If someone is struck, one can be rendered unconscious and fall overboard.
For more Information, check this Web site:
lightningsafety.noaa.gov
WCSAR Team WRSP (Water Rescue Safety Patrol) Program...visit our Gallery WRSP page for an actual picture of a lightning strike out on the Lake.
ALL BOATERS EVERYWHERE SHOULD NOTE THIS!!!  (July 2007)
If you are a boater either out on a Lake, River, or on the Ocean, please carry the International Distress Flag if you need assistance...It could save your life!
                     International Distress Flag                              Boater using the Flag for assistance
Bill Latimer - WRSP Program
The above Vessel was broke down on Blake Island, Lake Quinsigamond. Our Water Rescue Patrol Vessel spotted the disabled boat and rendered assistance resulting into a Tow back to the public boat ramp. THIS BOATER DID THE RIGHT PROCEDURE. He had no Marine Band Radio, it was late in the afternoon, and other boaters in the area were not aware of the Flags meaning. The end result was a good rescue assistance by our WR3 Vessel. Picture was taken at Ramp.
NTSP SAFETY ALERT
...Click Here
Mike Ahern - University of Vermont, Lake Champlain - Click on picture to access Web site. Very good information
STOP PROPELLER STRIKES                                              (Nov 2007)
With winter still here, and 'Spring' not too far off, please click on the Icon Danger Thin Ice. Very good information. WCSART appreciates this info from other States.
Tony Barrett - Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
FROZEN ICE OVER LAKES AND RIVERS                         (Feburary 2008)
International Distress Flag: Is a square-shaped, bright orange flag with a black ball and a black square. ALL other vessels are required by law to come to the aid of the boat in distress. If you do not have a distress flag aboard, flying the National Ensign UPSIDE DOWN is also regarded as a signal of distress.
STROKE - How to recognize                                                       (March 2008)
STROKE: Remember the Letters...S.T.R.

S - Ask the person to SMILE
T - TALK, Speak a simple sentance
R - RAISE BOTH ARMS

OTHER SIGN: STICK OUT TONGUE
If the Tongue is 'crooked' if it goes from one side to the other, that is a good indication of a Stroke

Trouble with anyone of these tasks
ACT IMMEDIATELY...Call 911
Information from Robin Parmeter - GE Healthcare
Experts now recommend Hands-Only CPR

Great updated Article on new CPR techniques. Click on Icon (left)


Submitted by John Pajka, Rutland CERT Team
(April 2008)
WHAT NOT TO DO AT THE RAMP....                                           (July 2008)                              
Always have your Safety-Chain connected to your boat until you have backed down completely into the water.

THIS COULD HAPPEN TO YOU !!!
Submitted by Glen Wians, WRSP Program Lake Quinsigamond, Shrewsbury, MA
FLAGS  OR SIGNS TO WATCH FOR WHEN SWIMMING               (June 2008)
Many of you may be swimming at the Beach or Lake in your area this summer. If you see any of these warning Flags or Signs, please do not swim in the area where posted. There is a reason for this...

IT IS FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION
Submitted by Joe Apicella - WRSP Team Coordinator - WCSART
LOW HEAD DAMS - Dangerous type of Dam to avoid when fishing     (Oct 2008)
The low head dam is the most dangerous type of Dam and has been named the 'drowning machine.' They may not be easily spotted because the top of the low-head dam can be several feet below the water serface. because of their small size and drop, low-head dams do not appear to be dangerious. However, water going over a low-head dam creats a strong recirculating current or backroller (sometimes referred to as the 'Boil')  at the base of the dam. Even on a small river, the force of the backroller can trap your vessel against the face of the dam and pull you under the water (even while wearing your PFD, Life Jacket). Avoid low-head Dams.

Information from BOATED

Submitted by Gordon Williams, National Park Service