Sea Scouts Are Making Waves In The Lake

By Grace Usher

The Lake Havasu Sea Scouts aim to learn leadership, responsibility and the principles of water safety. The coed branch of the Boy Scouts has been in Lake Havasu City since 2012, and there are currently 15 members.

The Scouts are led by Kathy Weydig and Joel Silverstein. Weydig and Silverstein are the owners of SCUBA Training and Technology.

The Sea Scouts are chartered with the Lake Havasu Divers Association.

Lake Havasu had a Sea Scouts group in the 1970s, but it eventually dissolved. Six years ago, Weydig decided to start the group back up.

“I worked for the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department and drove a boat for 30 years,” Weydig said.

Sea Scouts photo courtesy Kathy Weydig

The 15 Sea Scouts are boys and girls from 13 to 21 years old. The Sea Scouts Organization has be Co-Ed since 1972.

The Scouts have the opportunity to achieve four possible rankings in the group: Apprentice, Ordinary, Able and Quartermaster.

The Sea Scouts meet bi-monthly, typically on the first and third Wednesday of each month. At the meetings, they discuss upcoming activities as well as trainings. The meetings are year-round.

As Sea Scouts, members have the opportunity to explore the adventures of SCUBA diving, sailing, boating, kayaking and even paddle boarding. All members, no matter the rank, are welcome to participate in each activity.

Unlike the Girls Scouts and their notorious cookies, the Sea Scouts fundraise through donations and with community service projects.

Sea Scouts photo courtesy Kathy Weydig

“[We have received] donations from the Elks. The generosity of the London Bridge Resort has given us free dock space. AZ State Parks lets us keep boats on trailers at Windsor. Jim Lieson lets us meet at a classroom at APEX. We are truly a community sponsored group,” Weydig said.

The donations go toward boating insurance, boating fuel, maintenance, camping gear and other related supplies.

On shore, the Scouts volunteer with multiple events throughout the year. During the Havasu Balloon Festival, they assist with the fireworks display. At Run to the Sun car show, they help with parking. They are willing to help any event that needs their assistance.

The Lake Havasu Sea Scouts will be attending an eight-day cruise through the Channel Islands including Catalina Island in California later this month. They will be staying on a 60-foot boat. Some activities of the trip will include snorkeling, boating and navigation.

The Sea Scouts are always looking for new members to explore the waters and have fun along the way.

For more information on the Lake Havasu Sea Scouts:

Facebook: Lake Havasu Sea Scouts

Email: lakehavasuseascouts@gmail.com