Community Corner

Photo of the Day: Sea Tow Captain Honored by Coast Guard

Captain Les Trafford, of Sea Tow Shinnecock and Moriches, was recognized with a certificate of merit.

As part of National Boater Safety Week Captain Les Trafford, of Sea Tow Shinnecock and Moriches, which is based out of Hampton Bays, was recognized by the United States Coast Guard with a Certificate of Merit Public Service Award at a ceremony on May 15 at the Coast Guard station in Moriches.

Trafford, who has been a licensed Coast Guard captain for 22 years, was recognized for "his exemplary commitment to maritime safety and support of the ."

"We heartily congratulate Les on receiving this well-deserved award," said Joe Frohnhoefer, Sea Tow founder. "He has spent countless hours providing invaluable service to the Coast Guard, the boating public, and his local Long Island community that goes way above and beyond his duties as a Sea Tow Captain and franchise owner." 

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Frohnhoefer, who founded Sea Tow in Southold in 1983 after the U.S Coast Guard stopped responding to non-emergency calls, kicked-off boater safety week on the East End on Friday with a press conference that aimed to remind boaters to wear their life jackets. He also presented the following safety tips:

Sea Tow’s Top 5 Boating Safety Tips:

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1)     Wear a life jacket:  Life jackets save lives, but only if you wear them! Children under the age of 13 are required by law to wear lifejackets while boating.

2)     Designate a sober skipper: Booze and boats don’t mix!

3)     Carry a VHF Radio and know how to use it: Don’t rely on just a cell phone! Cell service is often spotty or nonexistent out on the water. Be sure to perform a radio check to ensure your VHF is operational via the new free Sea Tow Automated Radio Check service: www.seatow.com/boating-safety/automated-radio-checks

4)     Get a vessel safety check: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadronsboth offer free Vessel Safety Checks to get boaters ready for the season.

5)     Take a boating safety course: These classes offer something for everyone, even if you’re an experienced boater. A list of all of the approved boating safety courses offered nationwide can be found at www.nasbla.net/courseListing.php

 

 

 


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