By John | Co-Owner, SAR DOG Industries | Retired U.S. Coast Guard Aviator Why We Love Living in Hernando Beach After a career in Coast Guard aviation, I wanted to live somewhere close to the water and a little quieter than most of Florida's coast. Hernando Beach turned out to be that place. My wife Melissa, an Air Force veteran and my business partner at SAR DOG, and I live here with Ridley, our Samoyed. She has opinions about every boat ride. This isn't a tourist checklist.

Our Family Dog, Our Mascot, and Part of the SAR DOG Story If you've spent any time exploring SAR DOG apparel, you've probably noticed a familiar furry face in our logo and Rescue Ridley collection. That's Ridley. She's our five-year-old female Samoyed, a much-loved member of our family, and the real dog behind the SAR DOG mascot. I'm John, a retired U.S. Coast Guard aviator. My wife and business partner, Melissa, is an Air Force veteran. Together, we built SAR DOG Industries

I spent much of my Coast Guard career flying helicopters, and on every rescue the person who mattered most was the one who went out the door. Aviation Survival Technicians, the rescue swimmers, carry a kind of trust that is hard to explain to anyone who hasn't watched it up close. If you're shopping for a rescue swimmer, or for the family that stands behind one, this guide is meant to help you pick something that fits. For a wider look at pilots, aircrew and retirees, see our

Melissa and I live in Hernando Beach, on Florida's Nature Coast. Most of our free time is spent on the Gulf of America, in the shallow flats or running offshore. After enough summers out there, I've learned that what you wear matters almost as much as what you pack. Here is what I've found works, and why. Sun, Heat, Spray and Wind: What You're Up Against Florida water days stack several things against you at once. The sun comes from above and bounces back up off the water. Th

By John Mixson From the Cockpit to the Fishing Boat: A Lifelong Waterman's Perspective I've spent much of my life around the water, both professionally as a U.S. Coast Guard aviator and personally as a lifelong waterman. These days, one of the things I enjoy most is spending time fishing the Gulf of America along Florida's Nature Coast. Anyone who's spent a summer day fishing these waters understands just how demanding the Florida sun can be. The heat, humidity, and direct su

By John | Co-Owner, SAR DOG Industries | Retired U.S. Coast Guard Aviator Buying a gift for someone in Coast Guard aviation can be harder than you might expect. Whether you're shopping for a rescue swimmer, helicopter pilot, flight mechanic, fixed-wing aircrew member, or retired Coastie, you want something more meaningful than another generic military shirt. I spent 22 years in military service, including my career as a U.S. Coast Guard aviator. One thing I learned is tha