Join the US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Volunteers needed for US Coast Guard Auxiliary

      There will be a US Coast Guard Auxiliary recruiting event in Yorkville on March 7.  The event will be held at the Cobblestone Restaurant, 101 West Van Emmon Street at 7 pm.

     This year, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary celebrates its 75st birthday.  Flotilla 39-08, consisting of 30 men and women, will celebrate the milestone as they continue volunteering their time and resources to support the Coast Guard. Some of the services this group provides include week-end and holiday safety patrols; radio watch standing; teaching boating safety classes; providing free courtesy boat checks; working with high school counsellors to identify students eligible for scholarship appointments to the Coast Guard Academy; search and rescue missions for missing or overdue boats; other marine safety support activities and more.

      The Auxiliary is charged with three primary missions: Public Education in the classroom teaching water safety and basic boating and sailing skills; Safety Patrols on the water to assist distressed boaters; and free Vessel Safety Checks in your hometown.

      The Public Education Mission teaches Boating Skills and Boating Safety Programs to the public. These programs have an excellent national reputation. Many of our graduates can receive insurance discounts upon completion – check with your insurance provider for details.

      To fulfill the Safety and Rescue Mission, the Auxiliary runs on-the-water patrols staffed by Coast Guard certified crew members trained and equipped to deal with emergencies to assist pleasure boaters in distress.  The Auxiliary also has qualified volunteer Pilots and Air Observers to aid in Coast Guard search and rescue activities.

      All these missions are conducted as part of the “Team Coast Guard”.

      Coast Guard Auxiliary members are not paid for their time, service, uniforms, or equipment.  Volunteers spend many hours training, learning, practicing and qualifying prior to working in these specialty areas.  Auxiliarists are not only trained, but also very committed to this community service organization.  Fellowship and camaraderie with this amazing group called “Team Coast Guard” and knowing the positive impact you’ve had in your community are only a few of the benefits of active membership.

      Anyone 17 years or older and interested in learning more about this group should contact Bob Allen at 1-630-621-5544.

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