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Public Affairs is the most important directorate in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for the simple reason...you can't sell something if you don't advertise. Case in point: Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. the Coast Guard came out the heroes when the rest of the emergency responders were constantly bashed beyond repair because they did not sell their organizations as well as the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard has a saying in PA...Maximum disclosure with the minimum of delay. Never try to cover something up, plus the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary are truly dedicated to saving lives.

Public Affairs Officers should be involved in every aspect of the Unit activities. Much of the time the unit PA officer has a better understanding on how to talk with the press than the Commanding officer and should be sought out to help in all public appearances.

If you are a new PA officer, research the training and resources available to you.  Browse through the pages on this site to learn what is out there for you.

Coastie is an animated robotic cartoon character in appearance, and is very mobile. He has navigation and searchlights, a rotating beacon, a siren, an air horn, and eyes and eyelids that move meaningfully. He talks, plays music, and interacts with the instructor and the children during the presentation. He even has a bilge pump that pumps water like a real boat; that always brings smiles and laughter to all when used. Coastie also has his own built in squirt gun that the kids just love. Coastie is 44 inches long, 30 inches wide, 45 inches tall and weighs about 120 lb., -- quite a bit larger than most would imagine. He is painted bright blue and has decals promoting Boating and Water Safety from many boating safety organizations. He flies five colorful flags: the United States Ensign, Coast Guard Operational Flag, Coast Guard Auxiliary Ensign, and the Flag of the State of Ohio, along with a Flag denoting boating safety on one side and water safety on the other. He has his own infrared remote CD player to improve his music selection capability.

Coastie teaches rules about what to do and not do in a water emergency situation. For instance, Coastie teaches "Reach or Throw But Never Go In." This message along with interaction and instruction with Coastie teaches children how to throw or reach something to a person who is in trouble in the water rather than going in to try to save him. He also teaches slogans that kids remember like "Don't Just Pack It! Wear Your Life Jacket!" and "Always Swim With A Buddy In A Supervised Area."

 PFD Panda is wearing a life jacket (personal flotation device) and is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety mascot.