Flotilla Promotes Boat Safety Volunteers Patrol Area Lakes, Offer Free Inspections Of Boats

Joe Noyes spends most days boating, puttering around the house, and fishing.

Several times a month, however, the retired electronics repairman puts on a blue uniform and becomes Joe Noyes, the Spokane Valley Flotilla commander.

Noyes is one of more than 50 Inland Northwest members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilliary. Volunteer “flotillas” are based in Coeur d’Alene, Bayview, the Spokane Valley and north Spokane. Members donate time - and their boats - to patrol area lakes and teach boating safety.

Nine days ago, three Coast Guard Auxilliary boats ferried rescue workers, air tanks and equipment to a remote mine east of Bayview where two men died of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Most of the group’s patrol work involves rescuing stranded boaters when motors die. On Memorial Day, auxilliary members towed in a vessel that was being blown toward rocks. Two summers ago, a patrol boat towed in a large Coeur d’Alene party boat.

“They got a standing ovation when they docked,” recalled Noyse.

On Sunday, members of the Spokane Valley flotilla were at Farragut State Park, offering free boat inspections. They check, for example, to see if a boat has proper life preservers, lights and fire extinguishers. The group has no enforcement authority, but tries to educate people.

“We like helping people. If one thing somebody learns prevents damage or injury, it’s worth it,” said Spokane member John Ernsdorff, his boat rocking in the wind on Lake Pend Oreille.

Tim Palumbo of Spokane took one of the group’s boating safety classes three years ago.

“Most insurance companies will give you a break on the insurance if you take the class,” he said.

He liked the group and its goals so much he joined. Now he helps with the safety inspections.

“The biggest thing that keeps you in it,” he said, “is the fellowship.”

, DataTimes