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So Others May Live: Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers: Saving Lives, Defying Death
So Others May Live is the untold story of the U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer. In startlingly clear and exceptional writing, it tells twelve heroic stories of the greatest maritime rescues attempted since the program was started in 1985. These feats, told through the eyes of the hero, reveal an understanding of how and why the rescuer, with flight crew assistance, risks his or her own life to reach out to save a stranger. The book covers diverse oceans, hurricanes, oil rigs, caves, sinking vessels, floods, and even Niagara Falls. It is truly a can't-put-it-down collection.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2006
37 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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September 5, 2024MWSA Review
So Others May Liveis the story of the U.S. Coast Guard's quiet but resolute rescue swimmers. The heroic stories, told through the eyes of the heroes, reveal an understanding of how and why the rescuer risks his or her life to save a stranger.
Author Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite is a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy. Her affection for the service is evident in the massive amount of research that went into creating this book. On top of providing students and researchers with Coast Guard history, Ms. Kotite presents a series of action-packed stories that move and intrigue the reader. Packaged so that they can be appreciated in approximately hour long sessions, she shares the adventures, mishaps, mistakes, and successes of the various rescues the Coast Guard has attempted -- from the victim trapped in an Oregon cave as the water rises to the drama of people struggling to survive in an oil slick. The latter part of the book is about the thousands of rescues in Katrina. The author discusses the emotional trauma suffered by the rescuers when rescue wasn't possible.
She also explores the evolution of rescue techniques over time. The Coast Guard trained with the Navy at first, then built their own school for the specialized jobs they needed. For example, at first they used the standard air-sea helicopter technique of dropping lines or baskets to men flailing about in water. Then they realized that many are too weak or scared to be plucked from their tenuous situations by those methods. They developed an approach that involved dropping a swimmer to tether the victims to the hoisting devices. They also tried dragging the harnessed rescuer through the waves from person to person. All these techniques have problems associated with them, but all have been used when situations allow.
The sad reality is, of course, that while everyone wants to save those in danger, there is a cost to such endeavors. The goal for those who deal in the tragedies of others is to not make things worse. It does no good to jump into boiling seas when the chances of recovery are low and the risk of losing the rescuer is high. Bodies, equipment, helicopters have limited capacities. The author introduces the real people behind these dilemmas -- they have lives and significant others and kids. This fact is sobering and makes the work of these everyday folks all the more impressive.
The publication is slick and professional. The cover shows a helicopter lowering a figure into heavy seas at night. Moody in hues of gray and blue, it attracts the reader and the book delivers its promise. This book is appropriate for military historians and those who are interested in the Coast Guard and the Navy.
Reviewed by Buddy Cox (2010)
So Others May Liveis the story of the U.S. Coast Guard's quiet but resolute rescue swimmers. The heroic stories, told through the eyes of the heroes, reveal an understanding of how and why the rescuer risks his or her life to save a stranger.
Author Martha J. LaGuardia-Kotite is a graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy. Her affection for the service is evident in the massive amount of research that went into creating this book. On top of providing students and researchers with Coast Guard history, Ms. Kotite presents a series of action-packed stories that move and intrigue the reader. Packaged so that they can be appreciated in approximately hour long sessions, she shares the adventures, mishaps, mistakes, and successes of the various rescues the Coast Guard has attempted -- from the victim trapped in an Oregon cave as the water rises to the drama of people struggling to survive in an oil slick. The latter part of the book is about the thousands of rescues in Katrina. The author discusses the emotional trauma suffered by the rescuers when rescue wasn't possible.
She also explores the evolution of rescue techniques over time. The Coast Guard trained with the Navy at first, then built their own school for the specialized jobs they needed. For example, at first they used the standard air-sea helicopter technique of dropping lines or baskets to men flailing about in water. Then they realized that many are too weak or scared to be plucked from their tenuous situations by those methods. They developed an approach that involved dropping a swimmer to tether the victims to the hoisting devices. They also tried dragging the harnessed rescuer through the waves from person to person. All these techniques have problems associated with them, but all have been used when situations allow.
The sad reality is, of course, that while everyone wants to save those in danger, there is a cost to such endeavors. The goal for those who deal in the tragedies of others is to not make things worse. It does no good to jump into boiling seas when the chances of recovery are low and the risk of losing the rescuer is high. Bodies, equipment, helicopters have limited capacities. The author introduces the real people behind these dilemmas -- they have lives and significant others and kids. This fact is sobering and makes the work of these everyday folks all the more impressive.
The publication is slick and professional. The cover shows a helicopter lowering a figure into heavy seas at night. Moody in hues of gray and blue, it attracts the reader and the book delivers its promise. This book is appropriate for military historians and those who are interested in the Coast Guard and the Navy.
Reviewed by Buddy Cox (2010)
September 23, 2015
A bit slow at the start, the history of the program could easily have been condensed into a few pages rather than several chapters but once the rescue stories started the pace picked it. The U.S. Coast Guard really does not get anywhere near the support and recognition for the amazing things they do every day. The chapter on the horrible conditions and ungrateful people they had to deal with in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was especially heartbreaking.
July 22, 2015
The book first details the establishment of the rescue swimmer program. Then there are 14 stories of rescues, including the incredible job the USCG did in response to Hurricane Katrina. These swimmers and their air crews are unsung heroes. Glad to have read this book and to have watched the Coast Guard programs on the Weather Channel. Semper Paratus!
December 6, 2015
Once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. I am glad I read Brotherhood of the Fin first because it helped me understand what Martha was talking about in several examples. I highly recommend this book--it truly helped me understand how incredible our Coast Guard members are.
January 14, 2024
If you are a fan of action-packed, real-life drama on the high seas, then “So Others May Live” by Martha LaGuardia is the book for you. With her Coast Guard background, LaGuardia captures the tension, teamwork, comradeship and humor that defines the Coast Guard’s search and rescue crews.
As someone who has been there, I appreciate the detail and accuracy “So Others May Live’ brings to each rescue account. LaGuardia’s literary abilities and insights place you right in the middle of the action. You can feel the stress and tension as the rescues unfold and the sense of elation and relief as the survivors are rescued and returned to their families.
I have had the privilege of meeting Martha LaGuardia. She has a passion for writing and telling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Her insights into how Coast Guard aircrews work as a team and the challenges they face each day makes her uniquely qualified to write these stories. I highly recommend “So Others May Live.”
As someone who has been there, I appreciate the detail and accuracy “So Others May Live’ brings to each rescue account. LaGuardia’s literary abilities and insights place you right in the middle of the action. You can feel the stress and tension as the rescues unfold and the sense of elation and relief as the survivors are rescued and returned to their families.
I have had the privilege of meeting Martha LaGuardia. She has a passion for writing and telling stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Her insights into how Coast Guard aircrews work as a team and the challenges they face each day makes her uniquely qualified to write these stories. I highly recommend “So Others May Live.”
February 22, 2023
The book kind of reads like the old television show rescue 911, but with stories of Coast Guard
Rescues. The stories are pretty wild and no doubt show how elite, brave and selfless the people of the CG are.
The scope of Hurricane Katrina really stood out to me in this book. What an utterly unique and devastating event.
Had the book not been given to me I probably would not have sought it out. But I am glad the opportunity presented itself. Not to hard to read and I learned about a topic I otherwise would not have explored.
Rescues. The stories are pretty wild and no doubt show how elite, brave and selfless the people of the CG are.
The scope of Hurricane Katrina really stood out to me in this book. What an utterly unique and devastating event.
Had the book not been given to me I probably would not have sought it out. But I am glad the opportunity presented itself. Not to hard to read and I learned about a topic I otherwise would not have explored.
December 11, 2018
I was fascinated by the history of the US Coast Guard ‘s Rescue Swimmer’s program and the descriptions of many of the landmark missions gave me goose bumps. As a flight surgeon in the Coast Guard I am able to put myself into the well researched and described rescues and I could not put it down. I would highly recommend this book to ex Military , lovers of adventure,and readers who appreciate a well researched exciting book Lee Fanning MD FACP LCMD US Coast Guard Flight Surgeon (Retired)
June 8, 2020
This really is the kind of book you definitely can't put down, it starts off with a lot of technical history, but once you get passed that the stories are gripping and some of them heart wrenching. It's the sort of book where you don't want to stop because you are so anxious of the fate that might befall the subjects if you don't continue. I really gained a new found respect for the training and I loved the section on the first women to join. Really recommend this book to anyone!
October 17, 2022
An interesting look at the history of the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Program and many of those who served in that critical job. It takes a brave soul to run into a burning building or as presented here jump out of a perfectly safe helicopter into the unknown to rescue others is a truly noble job. Well written and easy to follow. Well worth the time investment to read.
January 6, 2024
I first heard about this book when Ms LaGuardia-Kotite appeared on The Real ResQ podcast. I love the collection of stories and history of USCG rescue swimmers. The narrative is expertly put together and stories told really well.
March 2, 2022
The author is a friend and colleague and did a great job on this!
Proud to know Martha and be a retired Coastie!
Proud to know Martha and be a retired Coastie!
May 19, 2025
This is a must read book for those who like to read about true stories of outstanding courage.
The rescues that the Coast Guard made, especially the swimmers, are incredible.
The rescues that the Coast Guard made, especially the swimmers, are incredible.
September 20, 2011
I spent the summer reading quite a bit and REALLY enjoyed So Others May Live!! Half the time I find myself holding my breath reading the stories or wondering when my heart rate will drop back to normal. The striking thing amongst all of these stories is the humility that each swimmer displayed by looking at their actions as just another day performing "their jobs". That these stories are only just a small sampling of the past, present, and future exploits of these extraodrindary individuals is truly amazing. I also thought the last chapter, dedicated to those who didn't come back, was an extremely classy way to highlight the danger and real human sacrifice that these unsung heroes have made in the interest of saving the lives of complete strangers. A tip of the hat to these incredible Coast Guard heroes, and Semper Paratus!
November 3, 2009
LaGuardia-Kotite's So Others May Live is a fascinating read and explores the world of rescue swimmers. It is well written and interesting and focuses on the most spectacular of rescues. Quite often the reader can experience the dangers the rescue swimmers face. The book is very much a positive book which shows mostly positive images of the Coast Guard and is missing that every day isn't excitement for rescue swimmers. However the book is recommended for anyone who enjoys adventure, avaition or more importantly the Coast Guard.
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January 17, 2016As a former Coastie, I couldn't walk by this book without reading it... It's a collection of helicopter rescue swimmer stories and their memorable rescues. Easy fast read, took me a couple of days to finish it. Next up is Rescue Warriors.
June 18, 2009
Just about 20 pages in. Still on the history of the rescue swimmers...excited to actually get to the stories of the saves.
August 15, 2011
I'm currently reading this for research. It's very well written with fourteen stories of survival. I'm on story seven and enjoying it.
April 30, 2012
A fascinating look into the lives, mission and history of Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmers.
March 8, 2014
Great read about the birth of the rescue swimmer program.
August 24, 2014
This book presents a history of the founding of the Coast Guard AST program and a series of great rescues. A very entertaining read.
August 3, 2011
I loved the movie "The Guardian," and enjoyed reading more Coast Guard rescue stories.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews