When I designed the patch, I had some input from some other 'maturing' Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmers, both active and retired. (Thanks Butch)
The Retired Swimmer Patch Design comes from the Coast Guard RS wings. You may have noticed that the fins are inverted; this signifies that they won't be used anymore, as in "I've hung up my fins.."
The skull with the red bandanna represents the injury and death many of us have dealt with in our careers. It's not something most of us talk about openly, but when we're together for any amount of time, the stories start and you can hear some 'colorful' things. Many of the first 50 or so swimmers that I know, and probably more, have injuries that will affect them the rest of their lives. Most don't complain, it's just a cost of doing a job most of us were eager to jump into, pardon the pun..
The wreath behind the skull and wings represents successful completion of a race well run. I've heard Search and Rescue described as a few precious moments of terror, surrounded by hours and hours of terrifying boredom. How many times did you get your feet on the ground, and think, "Crap, did we just DO THAT?"
The Active Swimmer Patch
Originally designed as a patch to recognize 10 years of active swimmer duty, I realized that I have worked with and met several of you who have been 'bloodied' early on in your career, (you know who you are..) and I think it's appropriate to recognize that.
This patch has the same basic design as the retired patch, except the fins are oriented as they are on the RS Wings, and there is no wreath.
I also have the patches in tan and subsued green. The subdued green will match a green flight suit SWEETLY...
