Boating has always been one of America’s favorite pastimes. As the sport grew, along with the development of the single-operator motorboat, and the outboard engine, the number of recreational boaters skyrocketed.
In 1939 the Coast Guard reported that there were more than 300,000 boats operating in federal waters. In the previous year it had received 14,000 calls for assistance, at which time civilian yachtsmen were pressing for boaters to be better trained in seamanship, and the Coast Guard to establish a volunteer arm of the service. As a result, on June 23, 1939, a volunteer civilian group was instilled to promote boating safety, and to facilitate the operations of the Coast Guard. Boat owners were organized into flotillas, and these into divisions within Coast Guard Districts around the country.
In 1941, a military reserve was created and the volunteer Reserve was re named the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. By 1950 the four traditional Auxiliary cornerstone missions of public education, operations, vessel examinations, and fellowship have been established.
The public education program yearly trains tens of thousands of boaters in seamanship, piloting, rules of the road and weather, among other topics. The Auxiliary’s 30,000 plus members assists the U.S. Coast Guard in their various missions, including search and rescue.
In any given year, Auxiliary members work untold hours in their assistance to the public. During a given year, 500 lives saved, 1300 persons being assisted, and several millions of dollars in volunteer services being provided. Since 9/11, members have been integrated into the Department of Homeland security and perform a variety of port security functions. In any given day the Coast Guard Auxiliary; saves one life, assists 28 people, completes 60 safety patrols, performs 300 vessel safety checks, educates 350 people on safe boating, participates in dozens of Coast Guard operational support missions, and attends numerous public affairs functions.
Being a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is a great way to learn more about boating and serve the Coast Guard as a volunteer. To learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Jack Alexander at
jackalexander@carolina.rr.com. or from within Second Life you may contact Howell Enderfield who is the Coast Guard Liaison to Second Life.
POSTED as a courtesy to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
