Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation Donates Rescue Board to Corolla Beach Rescue
What is your name?
Mike Hudson.
What is your agency/organization?
Corolla Ocean Rescue, but now Corolla Beach Rescue.
How long have you been with them?
Corolla Ocean Rescue from 2006 to 2014, but now Corolla Beach Rescue for 2 weeks.
What is their mission? How do they prevent drowning and promote water safety?
“The mission of this lifesaving organization is to provide the safest beach environment possible. Corolla Ocean Rescue personnel focus on prevention of accidents through education and interaction with the general public.”
We prevent drownings through emergency response and preventative actions by our highly skilled USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) and ISLA trained lifeguard staff. A number of our guards are ISLA volunteers and instructors who utilize their experiences to more effectively guard the beach and educate others. We promote water safety through public interaction and educational programs. In the past we have held the S.E.A.L.S. (Safety Education & Aquatic Learning for Kids) program as well as a 2 week junior guard camp. We are currently assembling the Corolla Lifesaving Association (non profit) which will further promote the growth of educational programs, scholarships, volunteerism and extend our support to ISLA, Lifeguards Without Borders, Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, etc…
How will the rescue board help you/your agency in your mission?
The Princess Rescue Board will continue to help us train lifeguard staff in rescue board techniques as well as assist us in the imminent rescue.
How did you find about that H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco was going to donate rescue boards to you?
The ISLA President (Henry Reyes) chatted me up in Nicaragua last year during the ISLA trip about the amazing support of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. He mentioned the paddleboard donation opportunity and since lifeguarding in Corolla consists of a long 24 mile stretch of beach with only 3 rescue boards and a limited budget, I requested the chance of receiving the rescue board as another much needed tool for our lifesaving arsenal. Much thanks!
How did you feel when you received the rescue board?
So Stoked!
What is the best thing about the rescue board?
The rescue boards were specially designed and skillfully crafted by the professionals of the JM Paddleboard Team for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. They are high quality boards to say the least. The logo representing the foundation on the board reminds me of THE MISSION every time I handle it. Others consistently ask questions about the origin of the board which effortlessly promotes water safety in itself.
I would personally like to thank JM Paddleboards for collaborating with Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation in spreading the passion for water safety.
“JM Paddleboards is the brainchild of Jamie Mitchell (10 times Molokai to Oahu Champion, Battle of the Paddle Winner) and master foam mower Adrian Birse who has shaped boards for the worlds leading paddleboarders, ironmen and SUP racers for over 15 years. JM Paddleboards has assembled a world class team and now looks forward to delivering to you the customer all the benefits of our collective 35 years of experience, knowledge and countless race wins when you choose a JM Paddleboard.”
JM Paddleboards – www.jmpaddleboards.com/
How has the rescue board prevented drowning in your area? How has it made a difference?
The rescue board has prevented drownings in Corolla by providing us with another vital piece of lifesaving equipment in times a rescue board is a more effective than our standard buoy and fins. It has been great on those offshore wind days when kayakers are blown far offshore and need assistance or advising.
We were blessed to receive the board just in time for the SALA (South Atlantic Lifesaving Association) regional lifeguard olympics where the board enabled us an edge in the competition. The board was utilized by both our men & womens team in the rescue board relay and the distance paddling race.
What does drowning prevention mean to you?
Drowning prevention for us is exemplified through our staff of highly professional lifeguards. We strive for vigilance on the waters as well as educate and interact with our beach patrons in order to prevent rescues and eliminate drownings.
What would you like to say to H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco?
HEARTS & MINDS!