by Dave Anderson, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary North Star Division 091-30
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was formed in 1939 to provide a pool of trained volunteers ready to help out the military Coast Guard during personnel pinches. A huge pinch took placed during World War Two when Auxiliarists patrolled America’s coasts rescuing merchant mariners affected by enemy submarine attack. After the war, the Auxiliary assumed its intended role – promoting recreational boating safety.
President Eisenhower in the 50’s took a big step in promoting that safety when he instituted National Safe Boating Week. This year, National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 17-23, 2025, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. There are many options for boaters when it comes to choosing a life jacket. When selecting a life jacket, a boater should check that it is U.S. Coast Guard approved, appropriate for the water activity, and fits properly.
Boaters should use NSBW25 to inspect all their safety gear to make sure it works properly, especially life jackets which should be worn at all times. Plus, think about taking a boating safety course either for the first time or for a refresher. Also, have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important de
vices in an emergency. Of course, never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Al-ways designate a sober skipper. All boaters from kayakers to jet ski operators to anglers to the yacht club crew are urged to learn more about safe boating at cgaux.org. There, they’ll find sections on life jackets, safe boating classes, how to file a float plan and how to arrange a free, no obligation and no penalty vessel safety check.
