US Coast Guard Auxiliary: Resources for Recreational Boaters, Fascinating History, & Volunteer Opportunities

PartsVu Xchange Talks Boating spoke with Barry Denton, the Division Chief of Marketing for the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and John Saran, the Division Chief of Publication.

The United States Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary have fascinating histories. The Coast Guard is the oldest maritime defense branch. It was created eight years before the Navy. Congress created the Coast Guard on August 4, 1790, at the behest of the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.

The United States Coast Guard is a service branch of the Armed Forces and functions in varying capacities, including maritime security, law enforcement, and search and rescue. The USCG operates in domestic and international waters with jurisdiction to carry out its mission.

During peacetime, the Coast Guard operates as part of the United States Department of Homeland Security. However, during times of war, the Coast Guard can be moved in whole or in part under the purview of the United States Department of the Navy by an act of Congress or order of the President.

Within this episode of PartsVu Xchange Talks Boating, we discussed the purpose of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the vital role that the Auxiliary plays for recreational boaters. We talked about some of the critical functions of the Auxiliary as well as ways boaters can take advantage of the depth of knowledge and resources available. We also discussed civilian volunteer opportunities with the Auxiliary.

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Could you share how each of you made your way to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and describe your current roles and responsibilities in the organization?

Barry Denton: I was a latecomer. Although I spent a short stint in the Coast Guard back in the eighties, I really wasn’t aware of the Auxiliary. One day, I encountered a friend in a flight suit, which caught me off guard. I asked him if he was a pilot or in the Air Force. He replied, “no, I’m in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.” That piqued my curiosity. That interaction was the catalyst for my interest and involvement in the Auxiliary, and that’s where my journey began.

My current role as Division Chief of Marketing is a product of my experience in public affairs. I was previously on FOX, CNN, and other media outlets. Applying these skills to the Auxiliary was a natural fit.

John Saran: I graduated from law school and was looking for my first job, deciding between becoming a Judge Advocate General with the Air Force or entering into private practice with a law firm. I wanted to serve in some capacity. However, when you work at large law firms, it’s challenging to get away for long periods for things like boot camp and other training, so it never really materialized.

I kept looking for ways to get involved. Then, I just happened to run into someone who suggested the Auxiliary. I jumped right in with both feet three or four years ago and couldn’t be happier. My background in law provides me with speaking and writing experience, so Auxiliary public affairs was a great fit for me. I also work on the elected side as a Division Commander for Chicago.

Could you explain the difference between the active-duty Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary?

John: The Auxiliary is comprised entirely of civilian volunteers. So, we’re not part of the military but are still a part of the Coast Guard team. Our primary mission is boating safety, but we can support the Coast Guard in many different roles and missions as long as it’s not law enforcement or military actions.

Barry: Our roles are constantly changing and expanding. The pandemic has broadened the scope of our needs, particularly in the area of technology, so there are many opportunities for people to serve in the Auxiliary.

When and why was the Auxiliary founded?

John: Recreational boating increased in popularity early in the twentieth century, which put a lot of pressure on Coast Guard resources. On June 23, 1939, Congress passed legislation that created the Coast Guard Reserve. That’s how the Auxiliary originally started. So, we recognize June 23 as our birthday.

When World War II broke out, Congress created a Coast Guard military reserve, so the Auxiliary basically split off as a civilian arm. In between the military side and the civilian side was something called the “temporary reserve.” At that time, they enrolled about fifty thousand Auxiliary members to receive military training and backfill many of the shoreside installations. They not only filled the stations, but did beach patrols, secured harbors, fought fires, guarded naval vessels, and more.

After World War II, there was another surge in recreational boating activity, warranting the need to focus on boating safety education, vessel exams, and other related concerns.

Fast forward to 1996, when Congress passed legislation that is a critical milestone for the Auxiliary. It allows us to support any mission of the Coast Guard. Under that legislation, Auxiliary members can be utilized under active-duty orders. So, for example, someone might serve as a chef or a helmsman, getting paid and earning sea hours to be in those roles.

After 9/11, the Coast Guard was moved to be under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security. Since that change, the Coast Guard’s reach has expanded. It’s now no longer limited to working on the homefront. The organization is utilized worldwide in various capacities.

How is the US Coast Guard Auxiliary organized and led?

Barry: Many people don’t realize that the Auxiliary reports to the Commandant who leads the US Coast Guard.

We’re volunteer-led, so our membership elects a National Commodore and a National Bridge. The National Bridge appoints staff who runs the organization.

After the national level, we jump to district levels; then, districts are divided into divisions. Finally, the most basic unit of the Auxiliary is the Flotilla. Within the Flotilla, they have elected positions that appoint their leadership called staff officers.

Can you provide some examples of the roles of the Auxiliary?

Barry: Boating safety is our primary focus. For example, we conduct free safe boating checks. We also offer safe boating classes and release numerous resources that guide people on many boating safety issues. Many people buy a boat and are unfamiliar with how they work and the rules of the water. Our programs help people stay safe on the water.

John: The boating safety function is our bread and butter. However, post-1996, the Auxiliary has expanded its roles. Now, you’ll see members serving as chaplains, recruiters, inspectors, interpreters, and many other capacities.

The onset of the pandemic produced many new boaters and new boat owners. Did you see accidents, injuries, and deaths go up as a result?

John: Every year, the Coast Guard releases boating safety statistics. In 2020, we saw a marked rise, about 25%, in the number of accidents, deaths, and injuries. In 2021, we saw those same numbers decrease by about 15%. These increases directly correlate to the significant increase in recreational boating and new boat owners as people began seeking outdoor and recreational activities.

What are some leading causes of injury and death on the water?

Barry: About 75-81% of water-related deaths are from drowning. The scariest and most unfortunate statistic related to this is that 83 – 86% of those deaths were people not wearing a life jacket. Many of these deaths could have been prevented if the victim had been wearing a life jacket.

Boating under the influence of alcohol is another leading factor related to death and injuries. 16-18% percent of all deaths on the water involve alcohol. Alcohol and boating don’t mix as people don’t realize the compounding effect sun and exhaustion have on alcohol consumption.

The five leading causes of death on the water are:

• Operator inattention.
• Operator inexperience.
• Mechanical failure.
• Excessive speed.
• Failure to have a lookout.

Our job is to make people aware of these issues to save lives.

What is the best piece of boating safety advice you have for recreational boaters?

Barry: Wear a life jacket, even if you are a good swimmer. Increasing life jacket usage would significantly decrease the rate of fatalities on the water.

I would also say that boating safety courses are critical to staying safe on the water. Again, many boat buyers are not necessarily ready for all that boat ownership entails. We have many classes on our website for people to take to ensure they can operate a boat safely.

What are some of the other materials and resources that the Auxiliary has to offer that would benefit boaters?

Barry: First, I would recommend going to join.cgaux.org. There, you’ll find information about joining the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and the many volunteer opportunities, including details on Flotillas within your region. Our main website, cgaux.org, offers extensive information about getting a vessel safety check, boating safety classes, creating a float plan, safety forms and checklists, current laws and regulations, and much more.

John: I would also highly recommend getting your vessel’s safety checked. These checks are voluntary and free. Safety checks are a great way to ensure you have everything you need and that the items are current, including fire extinguishers, flares, navigational lights, and other safety equipment.

Also, I highly recommend notifying someone about your plan for the day. Someone must know your navigational plan. That way, in case of emergency, people know where to start looking for you to come to your aid.

If someone is interested in joining the Auxiliary, where can they go? What are some of the qualifications necessary?

Barry: To join, they can head over to join.cgaux.org. There are some basic qualifications. For example, you must be 17 or older, a US citizen, and clear of felonies or major convictions. However, you are never too old to serve—we have members of the Auxiliary in their eighties.

The opportunities for involvement in the Auxiliary are seemingly endless. Whether you’re a chef, a lawyer, a photographer, or have any other experience; we have places for almost anyone to help and serve.

John: Also, people should know that, in general, there are no boot camps, medical, or fitness requirements to join.

The Auxiliary is an incredible organization and an essential part of the function of the United States Coast Guard. Getting involved is easy – check us out at join.cgaux.org.