please. 
)This initiative has not died despite the discussion having moved onto other subjects...
I have been in contact with the City of Seattle and had a great conversation with the Senior Coordinator of Aquatics (Kathy referred me to him) with the Parks Department today. He really likes the idea of having the AED at the park and likes the suggestion of putting it in the entrance to the Alki Fish & Crab Co.
Presently, he is looking into the hoops we'll need to jump through. As it sits (and these are more "dotting the i's and crossing the t's" than "hurdles" or "hoops"), we're working on solutions to the battery monitoring, training local parks staff and potentially restaurant staff or kayak rental staff (though they wouldn't be the only ones able to use it... just a few people who are routinely there need to be trained) through the Red Cross procedures (City policy for the Red Cross certification), and there are a few other minor details he is researching.
The good news is that he likes the idea, and says that if we are willing to pay for it and donate it to the City, the rest is just details we can work out.
Where do we go from here?
1. Continue researching the details and working with the City while "dotting the i's and crossing the t's."
2. Once we get the green light, we collect funds and purchase the unit (which needs to be a Philips HeartStart to stay uniform with the City's other units) and signs. I will head this process up as well and, depending on the funds we need versus what we raise, explore the potential of branching out to other dive clubs (though I'd like to keep it from NWDC if possible). With more time on this than we had with Jake's donation, I'm aiming to take personal checks and/or open an account specifically for this purpose so we don't get hit with 3% fees on paypal (though this will be an option if needed).
3. Install the unit and have a little "kick-off" of some sort. I'm thinking a little dedication, followed by a big-buddy dive, then beer and pizza somewhere afterward local afterward.
I've got leads on AEDs but I'm unsure whether they're the right one or not (looking into this). I may be looking for a Red Cross trainer to provide the training free or at a discount so if you know someone who teaches through Red Cross (Valerie?), please send them my way. If we end up being authorized and responsible for the installation, I'll be looking for professional help with that too (Josh?). I may also be looking for a little media coverage to get a positive diver message from Seacrest Park for a change (Ed?).
So, that's where we're at. Stay tuned for more details - I expect to hear from my contact at the City early next week and will report as there are developments.
