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 The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is seeking experienced paddlers. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has a program called “AUXPAD”. It involves strictly paddle craft. There are two components of the program. There is the “Ashore” and “Afloat”. We here in the Midwest have been behind the curve in this while Districts in the East and Southeast have had the program in place for several years.

AUXPAD-Ashore is your typical event like we do at locations where we are likely to encounter a lot of paddlers. We offer to perform free Vessel Safety Checks and Public Affairs related where we pass out literature and speak to people about PFD’s and such.
AUXPAD-Afloat is where we intend to send three members in our District to the ACA Level 2 Instructor Course. They will become “Qualifiers” (AQ) who will then train other Auxiliary members to be “Operators” (AO). Operating in teams of at least two, they will conduct patrol missions on lakes and rivers within their respective “Areas of Operation” (AOR). To be an AO their skills at ACA Level 2 will be assessed. They will be trained in Navigation and in the use of Marine VHF Radios as each team will have one. These teams will assist any paddlers in distress, render first aid, summon first responders, or report incidents. Each member must provide their own “Sit-In” Kayak. (Sit-On, Inflatable, or Collapsible are prohibited by the Coast Guard).

Now in order to participate in AUXPAD, a person must be a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Prior military service is not required. They must not have any felony convictions. There is no upward age limit, but a person must be able to perform the job that they choose to do. In fact we can perform any task that the Active Duty Coast Guard performs with the exception of law enforcement and combat (Quite alright with me).
Unfortunately, many of our members are older and not someone that would be able to paddle on patrols lasting 6-8 hours. This is why I am reaching out to the various paddle craft groups on Facebook. There are certain basic requirements for all members of the Auxiliary related to boating safety and such. In addition to AUXPAD they can be involved in Public Affairs, Music, Public Education, Vessel Exams, Program Visitors, Food Service or Boat Operations.

This is not something that requires you to participate every weekend. We are all volunteers and time off is needed for all. But if you want to get out and paddle and possibly save someone in distress....well there is no better calling. Visit WWW.CGAUX.ORG to find the nearest unit.