US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 75, Apollo Beach, FL

08/20/2026

A relaxing paddle can quickly turn into a difficult situation.

Many people don’t realize that kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are classified as vessels and are subject to boating safety requirements. Just as important, even a short afternoon paddle deserves some planning.

Weather can change, winds can pick up, and tides and currents can make the return trip much harder than expected. What began as a peaceful afternoon on the water can suddenly turn into an emergency.

Be prepared. Know the conditions. Carry the appropriate safety equipment. Always have a plan.

Here are some great resources for learning how to paddle safely, including a link to Smart Start for Safe Paddling, a FREE book available on Amazon. Download it, read it, and paddle more safely!

Safe paddling starts before you leave the shore.

Paddling is a diverse and rewarding outdoor activity with a large variety of crafts, landscapes, waterways, and on-water adventures to…

08/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DSucAyH2j/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/29/2026

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1533180362173525&id=100064447283797

The USCG AUX Air Observer Program (AO) allows non pilots to fly as crew members on approved Coast Guard missions. They act as the primary eyes during search and rescue (SAR) missions and marine safety patrols. They manage radios, log flight data, and monitor search grids.

Pictured are rescue swimer Chas Mitchell (left) of Coast Guard Air Station San Diego and Auxiliraist Gary Johnson aboard a HH60 helicopter during a Hurricane Katarina Rescue Mission.

📸: Aux Gary Johnson

07/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19koCq93EK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dtu6JwKjB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Did you know?

The Auxiliary has an entire directorate dedicated towards Emergency Management. These dedicated volunteers utilize skills they have honed from their careers and channel it in such a way to assist their communities when tragedy strikes.

Also known as the “Q-Directorate,” our Emergency Management members stand ready to help whenever they are called upon.

📸: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Q-Directorate

06/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EK6qH3EyC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Today we celebrate 87 years of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary 🎉🛟

Since our original conception as the Coast Guard Reserve in 1939, we have stood the watch. Whether it be supporting our active duty colleagues, providing boater safety education, or keeping our waterways safe, the Auxiliary has been there and will continue to proudly do so for many years to come.

📸: PO2 Lisa Ferdinando, USCG

06/15/2026

Don't let this be you! Tragedy can happen quickly. Watch your speed and stay sober at the helm.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Dfp1cTkSj/

06/04/2026

This is a great tool for all boaters. Use the link below to download your Boating Safety Guide

05/28/2026

Volunteer for the 2026 National Recreational Boating Safety Survey!

The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) is a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they are on the water.

As part of the survey, we are asking for volunteers to complete a brief sign-up page asking about their boating habits and share their contact information with the Coast Guard so a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS survey later in the year.

To volunteer, please go to: https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e.

For more information on the NRBSS, please visit https://uscgboating.org/statistics/national-recreational-boating-safety-survey.php.

05/26/2026

This is great material that every boater should download.
https://secure.coastguardfoundation.org/site/DocServer/CGF_Boating_Safety_Guide_v2.pdf?utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120247334588260104&utm_content=120247395654150104&utm_term=120247395436750104&utm_campaign=120247334588260104&fbclid=IwZnRzaAR_1JNhZ2VpBRJhdHRyaWJ1dGlvbl9jaGFuZ2UAZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAas0XogjOVhzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR4TOkPrXs7DxsBUHLCt-di4dT_zF1hVMPWnk9rNQaA3rfq8QRmt0Harrm820A_aem_aizF81RfPg6mMZwTo3xgFQ