Why not improve your odds of arriving back at home dock without a life threatening or embarassing incident by enrolling in the NEXT Coast Guard Auxiliary BOATING SKILLS AND SAFETY class beginning on
July 7.
This training is designed for novice as well as experienced boaters and will cover topics such as NAVIGATION RULES, CASTING OFF AND DOCKING, HOW TO ANCHOR SAFELY, USEFUL KNOTS, SEAMANSHIP, STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS AND MUCH MORE!
Plan on two hours, Monday and Thursday evenings, with certification night on July 31.
Not only will you learn valuable information that could save lives but someone in the class will be awarded a FREE hand held VHF radio, courtesy of the Stuart Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 59.
The investment in this valuable training is only $49.00 which covers the cost of materials. Instruction is provided by Senior Auxiliarists as a public service.
Registration on July 7 will begin at 6:30 PM at the Auxiliary Operations Center in Sandsprit Park, Stuart. Seating is limited so PRE-REGISTRATION is encouraged. Call 772-288-0509 for more information and to register.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was authorized by Congress on June 23, 1939. This Act authorized the Coast Guard to use civilian volunteers to promote boating safety on the nation's waterways. During World War II, many Auxiliarists joined the war effort in either active duty branches of the service, or as members of the Temporary Reserve. These Reservists watched waterfronts, performed coastal patrols and rescued survivors from sinking ships.
On October 19, 1996 Congress greatly increased the responsibilities and training of the Auxiliary. The intent of Congress was to expand the ability of the Coast Guard to utilize the Auxiliary for missions not contemplated in 1939. The Coast Guard Authorization Act increased the scope of the Auxiliary's duties to include any role, mission, or operation that the Commandant of the Coast Guard might envision. Thus, the Auxiliary, traditionally known for its Boating Safely Classes and Vessel Safety Checks, will have greatly increased responsibilities. Currently, the Auxiliary has 29,000 members in all 50 states. ###