We do this by promoting boating safety through public education, performing vessel safety checks, contacting and distributing educational materials to local marinas and marine stores, and providing both boats and crews for on the water operations. The Auxiliary also provides multiple opportunities for its members' growth and development through member training, fellowship, and leadership responsibilities.

To find out more about the Auxiliary, please explore our website. Our Flotilla meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Florida Tackle and Gun Club in Mandarin (south part of Jacksonville), and you might consider attending one of our meetings as a visitor. Our recruiter for 2012 is Becky Habermas, and I encourage you to contact her for further information (e mail at info@SafeBoatingJax.com).

If giving something back to your country, if expanding your horizons and challenging yourself to learn and grow, are of interest to you, consider joining the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary is proud of its tradition of being the Nations Volunteer Lifesavers. Why not be part of this proud tradition?