Puddle depth to blame for Coast Guardsman's concussion during swim call
NASSAU, Bahamas – A Coast Guardsman who was injured Friday while jumping from the flight deck of the Cutter Bear (WMEC-901) remains hospitalized, says Coast Guard Atlantic Area spokesman Lt. Scott McBride. The injury occurred during a swim call in a puddle.
Seaman Aaron Hagerty suffered a concussion when he struck bottom during the swim call, which is a morale activity where crew members swim off the sides of the boat.
“After his injuries were assessed, Hagerty was placed on a pool noodle and floated to Bahamas Medical Center,” McBride said.
“While the accident remains under investigation,” he added, “preliminary indications are the the cutter was operating in a shallow puddle at the time, and the depth is considered a primary factor.”
Witnesses says Hagerty leapt off the flight deck while yelling, “I’m the best rescue swimmer!” before plummeting head first into the three feet deep water.
Hagerty will return to work on light duty, which is ironic “considering he didn’t do much duty to begi…
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