Recreational boating safety is the first of the many missions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boating should be fun! But too often, fun turns into trouble and that trouble becomes tragic. The Recreational Boating Safety directorates, linked on the left, are busy working to reduce the number of boating accidents and casualties in the U.S.
The biggest causes of boating accidents and deaths are all too familiar:
The Auxiliary urges every boater to wear life jackets each and every time you go out on the water. We also urge all boaters to avoid alcohol whenever boating. Danger never takes a holiday.
The Auxiliary offers a variety of boating education classes to give you the knowledge you need to operate a boat safely. You can find a class by visiting the Public Education website.
We also offer free vessel safety checks so boaters can have a trained expert make sure you have all the right safety measures aboard. You can arrange a safety check by visiting the Vessel Examination website.
Finally, the Auxiliary offers lots of resources, for both paddlers and boaters alike, through our Safety Outreach programs. We offer everything from VHF radio directions to paddler safety tips—all free for you to use. You can read the RBS Job One newsletter for detailed articles on safety topics, or follow us on Facebook.
Assistant National Commodore Wilson is a vessel examiner, program visitor and academy admissions partner, and has earned the Recreational Boating Safety Device. Prior to his appointment, Wilson served six years as director and deputy director in the Vessel Examination & Programs Visitation and Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorates. Outside the Auxiliary, Wilson has served as a firefighter for over 30 years.
To be announced.
