Safe boating event floats on without helicopter show

This Saturday at Lake Pleasant, the featured attraction was to be an appearance and demonstration from a Coast Guard rescue helicopter based out of San Diego. The helicopter would release rescue divers into the lake and show onlookers one of the most difficult and impressive parts of what the Coast Guard does during the fifth annual Arizona Safe Boating Celebration.

As visitors arrived at the lake, they were met with disappointing news. The helicopter was experiencing mechanical troubles, and the demonstration was canceled.

Click here to see a video recap of Saturday's boating safety event.

Richard Rose, who was at the lake with his family, said he had a hard time being too upset about missing the helicopter.

"The truth is, I didn't know anything about it, so I guess I can't say I'm very disappointed," Rose said. "We came here to do some boating and to have a lunch by the lake, and we still get to do that."

Rose's teenage son, Tim, was not as willing to let it go.

"That's a bummer, man, seriously," he said. "We came in and they were like, 'Sorry everyone, no helicopter.' Well you know what? I didn't even know there was supposed to be a helicopter, so why did you have to tell me I missed out on one? Better to just keep it to yourselves, guys."

Even without the main attraction, Coast Guard Auxiliary members were still on hand preaching boat safety. Among the primary topics covered were: proper operation of a boat, avoiding excessive speed, alcohol consumption and carbon dioxide poisoning. Free boat safety checks were also offered, in addition to prize giveaways and brief seminars on boat safety.

Charles Bell, who frequents the lake with family and friends, said he hopes the message does not fall on deaf ears.

"Boating on the lake is like just about anything, in that most people do it the right way," Bell said. "But there are always going to be a few people who do something stupid, or who neglect to really learn what they are supposed to do. Stuff like (the safety day), it's a nice refresher course for those of us who play it safe, and maybe an eye opener for those few people who do dangerous stuff out there."

The Safe Boating Celebration was jointly sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Maricopa County Parks. For information on boat safety and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit www.cgaux.org.