The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety.

It boasts more than 36,600 members from all walks of life who receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Coast Guard Forces.

Auxiliaries assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security and environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth.

Auxiliaries volunteer more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.