United States Coast Guard Auxiliary

8 Western Rivers District, Division 16

Why Join The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Since the recreational boating population in Oklahoma is growing rapidly, Oklahoma needs the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and the Auxiliary needs good men and women to serve the community. As an Auxiliarist, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Auxiliary's numerous training programs which can help you in ways you may not immediatly think about. Serving in the Auxiliary allows you the opportunity to give something back to the community, but it also gives you pride in accomplishment, and can increase your personal confidence level.

What is the Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Since its creation by Congress in 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has served as the civilian non-military component of the Coast Guard. Today, the 33,000 plus volunteer men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are active on the waterways and classrooms in over 2,000 cities and towns across the nation. Each year, Auxiliarists ( folks just like YOU ) save almost 500 lives, assist some 15,000 boaters in distress, conduct more than 150,00 vessel safety checks of recreational vessels, and teach over 500,000 students in boating and water safety courses. The results of these efforts save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

• INCREASE YOUR SKILLS -- The Auxiliary and the Coast Guard provide 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. The training made available can benefit your everyday career by providing professional leadership skills often needed for general career advancement.

• SUPPORT THE COAST GUARD -- Auxiliarists provide direct operational and administrative support to many local Coast Guard units. You will wear the Coast Guard Auxiliary uniform and become a part of TEAM COAST GUARD. When you qualify through training, you can take part in Search and Rescue operations, conduct patrols on local watersheds, operate vessels for training purposes under Coast Guard orders, conduct courtesy vessel inspections and marine dealer visitations, and participate in air crew duties.

• SERVICE TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND STATE -- Auxiliarists aren't paid with money, but with satisfaction. Members furnish and maintain their own equipment and anyone can choose to participate at a level tailored to their individual capabilities. The Auxiliary provides boating safety classes for youth and adults and examinations of recreational vessels for safety equipment in the interest of safety on the waterways. The Auxiliary also saves lives by helping boaters in emergency situations.

• ENJOY FUN AND FELLOWSHIP -- In all activities, enjoy the good company of other Auxiliarists at meetings and training sessions, on patrols and other missions, and at ceremonies and social events. One of the Auxiliary's trademarks is good old-fashioned hospitality. Friends, neighbors and interested members of the public are always welcome to attend flotilla meetings. In addition, dedication to boating safety provides the atmosphere for getting together to swap boating experiences and enjoy the company of like minded people. You'll find special camaraderie among Auxiliarists that's hard to beat. There is always a dedication to duty at Auxiliary outings, training sessions, patrols, vessel safety checks, classes and conferences, but we also enjoy what we do. 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 very special meaning.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary invites you to contact us. It is our hope that you will attend one of our local Flotilla meetings to see what you can do to be a part of our growing team; Team U.S. Coast Guard.

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