Alaska Marine Safety Education Association

07/28/2026

07/24/2026

Newport Fishermen’s Wives will be honoring Amanda Gladics at our Homeport Dinner on Saturday.

Amanda Gladics is an associate professor of practice with Oregon Sea Grant, based in Astoria, where they spent nearly a decade building trust with commercial fishing families up and down the Oregon coast. They co-lead FFAST (Fisherman First Aid and Safety Training), helped build Oregon Shop the Dock tours, and have done award-winning work on whale entanglement and bycatch reduction. Last winter, Amanda helped launch the first-ever West Coast Women in Fishing Helm Summit. Above all, Amanda has a gift for bringing people together and finding a way to say yes!

07/20/2026

ALASKA LAW REMINDER | Anyone under 13 is legally required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket in an open boat or while being towed.

For more information, see the Alaska Boater’s Handbook:https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/boating/pdf/alaskaboaterhandbook.pdf .

06/30/2026

06/24/2026

Important for West Coast Mariners: NOAA/NWS bar reports and bar camera webpages may become unavailable after July 1, 2026, affecting hazardous bar information from Washington to California.

If you rely on these resources, please let NOAA know how important they are by emailing [email protected].

The Coast Guard is exploring alternatives. In the meantime, contact your local Coast Guard Station for current bar conditions.

Please share with other mariners.

06/17/2026

Why is it dangerous to jump into cold water on a hot day?

Muscle cramping. No matter your age, swimming ability, or other labels. Cold water temperatures impact everyone the same way. The question becomes "when," not "if," the muscles in your arms and legs begin to cramp.

Muscle cramps are sudden, painful, INVOLUNTARY CONTRACTIONS of a muscle. They are most frequently caused by DEHYDRATION, electrolyte imbalances (like low potassium or magnesium), muscle fatigue from overexertion, or restricted blood flow.

The primary triggers and root causes include:
*Dehydration & Electrolytes: Losing vital fluids through sweat or not drinking enough water causes mineral imbalances. Low levels of potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium prevent your muscles from fully relaxing, which leads to cramping.

*Fatigue & Shivering: As your core temperature drops, the body shivers to generate heat, which tires out muscles and makes them more prone to locking up. Another fun fact is that the body will want to excrete urine to conserve energy in the body's core.

*Muscle Overuse & Fatigue:
Straining a muscle that is unconditioned or overworking it during intense or prolonged exercise can trigger cramps.

*Nerve Compression:
Pinched nerves in your back, neck, or spinal cord can cause radiating pain and involuntary muscle contractions.

*Blood Circulation: Reduced blood flow to the limbs makes muscles highly susceptible to cramping. This happens with prolonged and intermittent exposure in cold water when the body pulls blood from the limbs and redirects blood flow to the body's core to protect the organs.

BOTTOM LINE:
Cold water can be fun and refreshing on a blistering hot day. Take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water (vitamin water is even better!), and most importantly...WEAR A LIFE JACKET.

Learn more about why drowning is quiet and undramatic, and what to LOOK FOR when someone needs immediate help (link in the comments).

06/08/2026

Today is World Ocean Day, and we're continuing to kick off a month-long celebration of the ocean and all it provides.

The ocean covers more than 70 percent of our planet, produces much of the oxygen we breathe, supports countless species, and sustains communities around the world. Throughout June, we'll be sharing stories, resources, and opportunities to learn more about the waters that connect us all and the people working to protect them.

Pictured here is a Whale Shark, the largest fish in the world. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants feed primarily on plankton and serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity and wonder found beneath the ocean's surface.

Join us all month long as we celebrate our ocean, highlight the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems, and explore ways we can all help protect these vital resources for future generations.

06/08/2026