Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron completes 74th Change of Watch

David Siesel says the nature of groups in the United States Power Squadrons has changed since he was a commander at Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island. 

However, one thing that hasn't changed is the annual Change of Watch ceremony for the organization, which focuses on promoting boating safety as new leadership steps in to replace the old. 

On Jan. 25, at Laurel Oak Country Club, the Sarasota Power and Sail Squadron hosted the ceremony as a new bridge consisting of six individuals was installed.

Siesel was sworn in as commander, replacing Barbara Warshaw.

"I think it provides continuity," he said. "I think that so many rituals in other areas of our life have gone to the wayside, and also, since these ceremonies have attracted people that are older than myself, I also get the opportunity to learn from them."

Siesel says he hopes to focus on helping the squadron adapt to realities of a changing world. 

He says the organization, alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, plays an important role in boating safety and is a good starting point for those who have specific questions on safety or need courses, whatever type of boating they are planning to engage in.

Siesel has been a member of Sarasota's squadron for about six years and part of the overall organization for 15-16 years, and says he hopes to remedy a decline in volunteerism not specific to the organization. 

"I think I can work on messaging," he said. "I think I can work on new ways to maybe package and communicate through social media and other means to be more relevant to today's customer, today's audience."

Warshaw said she had had a good year as commander, with the support of her team, and that the organization put over 350, and closer to 400, people through its boating classes at different levels. 

"I had objectives when I came on board, and one of them was to get people involved, get them to take our classes, join the squadron, and then get out on the water, and we have increased our membership because we've been able to get more students, and we're getting them involved," she said. "Now it's up to David to keep them involved."

"Barbara Warshaw has done an amazing job, and I hope to be able to do the squadron proud," Siesel said.