Sea Scouts perform important service to boaters

Bay Village fireman Joe Seifert watches over Sea Scout Khaled Hamil as he deploys a signal flare. Photo by Don Friswold

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There was orange smoke and red flares at Bay Boat Club on May 27 but it was not an emergency. The Bay Sea Scouts collected almost 100 expired pyrotechnic visual distress flares and, with the approval of the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities, ignited them as a training exercise.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires most boats over 16 feet in length to carry at least three flares. The flares have expiration dates stamped on them and after three years are no longer legal and considered hazardous waste. Due to their toxic composition they should not be disposed of in the regular trash.

Youth from the Spirit of America program participated and assisted the scouts in igniting the flares. Safety was a high priority with the Bay Village Fire Department on hand to ensure safety glasses and gloves were used. 

Sea Scouting is a co-ed adventure and boating program for youth 13 and over. For further details contact Richard Gash, skipper@seascoutship41.org.