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Kayla Vaz gets an encouraging hug
from CAC coach, as Gabrielle Hotte
prepares to run from 1st and
Brittany Mills is on deck
the future of this great sport is
dependent upon having well-trained
coaches. It is for that reason that I
have become a Master Learning
Facilitator for all three clinics, and I
am able to share the knowledge with
our coaches.”
The OAFA has about 50 teams of
boys and girls from the ages of five to
23 who are playing a variety of softball
programs: Blastball, 5-Pitch, 3-Pitch
and Fast Pitch. All are geared toward
the development of fundamentals
that will allow for players to succeed,
be it at a recreational or competitive
level. Coaches and player clinics are
essential in this progress.
The OAFA is proud of its volunteer
coaches and appreciates their
willingness to get involved — and be
trained so that they can provide a positive
experience for the players and
themselves. Each clinic is intended to
assist and support a coach’s efforts to
learn and improve as a coach. Each
workshop or clinic that the coach or
assistant coach attends also helps to
develop the sport of softball for children.
For this, softball enthusiasts are
grateful.
Regardless of which level of softball
a child is at, he/she wants to have
fun and to be with friends. The
OAFA’s coaches — past and present
— know this, and value the opportunity
to make an impact on a child and
on the community. They are also role
models for the importance of being
active. For all these reasons, they have
hit a grand slam.
Provided by the Orleans Amateur Fastball
Association.
Be Safe on the Water
HOW TO CALL FOR HELP IN
A BOATING EMERGENCY
We’re lucky to have so many areas in the Ottawa area to enjoy the water. Both the
Ottawa and Rideau Rivers are close by and offer boating pleasure for canoers,
kayakers or boaters.
But safety on the water is always a concern, and should be on your mind
every time you put your ore, paddle or rudder in the water. So imagine this: your
boat is in danger, a passenger has fallen overboard or you’re stranded on open
water. How do you get help? Minutes matter. Make sure you know what do before
you face a boating emergency. It could be the difference between life and death.
The most effective and reliable way to issue a distress alert is with a marine VHF
radio. Keep your radio tuned to channel 16 and know your location at all times.
If you are in grave and imminent danger, use channel 16 to contact the
Coast Guard and repeat MAYDAY three times. Then give the name and position
of your vessel, the nature of your emergency and the type of assistance you need.
If you need help but you are not in immediate danger, use channel 16 and
repeat PAN PAN three times. Then give the name and position of your vessel,
the nature of your emergency and the type of assistance you need.
Only use channel 16 for emergency and calling purposes. To continue a
conversation with another vessel, change to another channel.
One benefit of VHF radio is that in addition to the Coast Guard, other vessels
in the area will also hear your distress call and can come to your aid.
New VHF radios can also issue a digital alert with digital selective calling
(DSC) on channel 70. To make a digital call, your radio must have a nine-digit
marine mobile service identity, which is assigned free of charge by Industry
Canada. DSC service is available on the east and west coasts and in the high Arctic.
Many cell phone providers offer a *16 service, which connects you to the
nearest Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre. Cell phones are
not a good substitute for VHF radios because other vessels in the area can’t hear
your distress call and rescuers can’t identify your position or follow your signal
back to your vessel. A global positioning system is one of the most useful tools in
providing accurate information on your position. The use of a cell phone is not
an approved method of issuing a distress signal.
For more information
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, The Office of Boating Safety:
www.boatingsafety.gc.ca; toll-free at 1 800 267-6687.
Due East Magazine • Page 25 • Summer 2008