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Since its creation
by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (the
Auxiliary) has served as the civilian, non-military
component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 30,000
volunteer men and women of the Auxiliary are active on
the waterways and classrooms in over 2,000 cities and
towns across the nation.
Each year,
Auxiliarists save almost 500 lives, assist some 15,000
boaters in distress, conduct more than 150,000 courtesy
safety examinations of recreational vessels, and teach
over 500,000 students in boating and water safety
courses. The results of these efforts saves taxpayers
hundreds of millions of dollars every year.
WHY JOIN
THE AUXILIARY?
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Be Part of the Action & Help
Save Lives
Since the recreational boating population in the
United States is growing rapidly, the Coast Guard
Auxiliary needs a few good men and women like you.
As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to
select and participate in one or more of the
Auxiliary's major programs. If you feel strongly
about the rewards you can get from serving your
community, the Coast Guard Auxiliary is the right
place for you! Either through on-water Operations,
the Auxiliary's Public Education Program, Courtesy
Examination Program, Radio Watchstander, or Marine Environmental Protection.
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Increase Your Skills
The Auxiliary provides
specialized training on all aspects of boating, as
well as leadership and administration. Auxiliarists
receive valuable training in seamanship and related
skills, and enjoy the sense of confidence of knowing
that they are better and safer boaters.
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Support the Coast Guard
Auxiliarists provide direct operational and
administrative support to many local Coast Guard
units. You can wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary
uniform and become part of Team Coast Guard. When
you qualify through training, you can take part in
Search and Rescue operations, stand radio watch at
the Coast Guard Station, work with the Marine Safety
Office on pollution matters or work in the
Recruiting Office.
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Service to Your Community
Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with
satisfaction. We furnish and maintain our own
equipment and can choose to participate at a level
tailored to our individual capabilities. We provide
boating safety classes and
examine recreational vessels for safety equipment to
ensure that our neighbors will be safe on the
waterways.
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Enjoy Fun & Fellowship
In all activities, enjoy fellowship - the
good company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and
training sessions, on patrols and other missions,
and at ceremonies and social events. One of he
Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned
hospitality. Friends, neighbors and interested
members of the public are always welcome to attend
one of our flotilla meetings. In addition,
dedication to boating safety provides the atmosphere
for getting together to swap boating experiences and
participate in cruises and rendezvous. You'll find a
special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard
to beat. There's time to relax and have fun at
Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, CMEs,
classes, and conferences. Auxiliarists make lasting,
meaningful friendships. Knowing that you belong to a
special group of people and directly participate in
helping save lives gives your Auxiliary membership a
special meaning.
The
decision to join the Auxiliary should not be taken
lightly. It brings great benefits. It also brings
responsibilities, as you'll be a uniformed
representative of Team Coast Guard.
Call us at 941.366.5595 for details on membership and answers
to your questions.
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