New Documentary Film Featuring Golden Gate USCG Surfboats
Guardian of the Gate: SurfboatThis documentary by director David Wittkower gives a glimpse into a day in the life of a Coast Guard member at San Francisco’s Motor Lifeboat Station Golden Gate.
Most people know little about the missions performed by what Wittkower calls the “green berets of the sea.”
“The intended audience was the general public,” Wittcower said. “But I’ve shown movies in a few places. [Coast Guardsmen’s] Wives, husbands, brothers say, “I never knew my husband” [or wife] did it. ”
Wittkower was caught doing search-and-rescue operations, towing stranded vessels, and searching for the body of a jumper off the Golden Gate Bridge. He also shot a lot of rough water.
The 47-foot motorized lifeboat featured in the film is self-restoring and virtually unsinkable. The ship is self-draining and can pump water without electricity.
According to the Coast Guard, even if completely flipped over, surf boats are buoyant and can snap right back up on their own in 8 to 12 seconds.
