Not your typical day at the office.

Not a typical day at the office.  Some days the suits and heels get a day off too.

 Buzzing the beach while test driving a new boat model sure is a whole lot more fun than sitting at my desk.

For those that believe anything "beach or coastal" is pretty and 

wonderful here is one glimpse into a reality.

Life at the water isn't just about laying around in the sun, collecting shells, dining on seafood, consuming umbrella drinks and stunning views nor, is it about the latest interior designer or home decor.

It's a responsibility 

Those who truly live at the beach
and or, work on the water know this quite well.

For the last two years unsafe boating and swimming
has claimed several lives in our area alone.

In the hope that this summer will be different I made a
a decision to talk a little about what I do.
  My deck shoes are on and I've

climbed on the safety soap box.

My work is the laying out and outfitting the vessels for
Enforcement, Fire and Rescue agencies.

Giving the boat a thumbs up shown above.

(I'm the one in the back seat)

Notice the "seat belt" and arm handles.  You know like 
something found on a ride at an amusement park.
Trust me, I was holding on.

This is a test ride to see how fast it can go.
How well it can jump  waves, wakes, and how tight of a turn it can take;
each time faster then the last. 

For me the ocean and the bay are both part of my daily life.
They are bodies of water not just to admire but, respect.

They can be fiercely dangerous

 as they are beautiful,

or charming

I work with vessels whose primes missions range from patrolling the waters to marine health and rescue.

 There is also the harsher side.
Intercepting criminals
flood evacuations, to recovering drowning victims

It is an amazing feeling for each us every time time a new vessel leaves
the yard. Knowing that it may save a life; human or animal or
bring them to safety is truly taken to heart by us all.

Yes, this is what I do.
It's unusual.  When I left the cherry wood office
to start over doing something I loved; boats.

I was thinking more along the lines of designing yacht interiors
instead, it's thermal imaging cameras, generators, radar,
firearm mounts, shock mitigating seating and flooring....

 I never dreamed this could become one of the most rewarding jobs.

 There is training....

with flattering outfits.

in wicked heat, damp, or cold.
 

We have all been trained in various aspects of
Tactical boat operations,
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
and CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams)
to name a few.

What we lack in physical facility size we make up with passion.
(We must have a lot, we hit the top of the charts across the U.S. last year.)

Three years and nine month project for the one of a kind vessel shown above.

Yet, it's nothing.

Absolutely nothing 

compared to when we receive photographs of the boats
we placed our passion and effort into
Saving life or bringing it to safety
or locating the dead so a family's wait is over.

Tears have rolled down our faces and 
sometimes we have gotten down on our knees and prayed.

When our work that was relied upon in the most stressful and often 
dangerous situations performed exactly the way it was supposed to 

So, if your are heading to the ocean this summer,

be it to wade in the water, or go boating.

Remember it's about respect.

Respect for the year round residents and enforcement;

one of whom may save your life

Respect for marine life - stash your trash.

Going boating?  File a float plan and wear a PFD
Personal flotation device.
  It's not about fashion; it's about your life
Please be safe this summer!

As for me, It's time to get down from the soap box
and put the suit back on with my brand new strappy wedge sandals.