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.