USCGAux Flotilla 47 Canandaigua New York

🛟 Stay Safe on the Water! 🛟

Did you know that the most common reason life jackets fail to save lives is improper fit? Here's how to ensure your life jacket fits perfectly:

Check the Label: Make sure it's U.S. Coast Guard-approved and appropriate for your weight and chest size.

Snug Fit: Your life jacket should be snug but comfortable. When fastened, it should not ride up over your chin or face.

Test it Out: Lift your arms overhead and ask someone to gently pull up on the shoulders. If it rides up, tighten the straps.

Kid-Specific: For kids, always use a life jacket designed for their weight. Never use adult jackets for children.

Bonus Tip: Always wear your life jacket when boating, even if you're a strong swimmer. Accidents can happen quickly and unexpectedly!

Stay safe this weekend and enjoy your time on the water!

Get your free watercraft ID decal Get Your Free Vessel Identification Sticker A watercraft ID decal can protect your property, and potentially your life.

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We're knot kidding! Knots are an important part of operating a vessel!

Knots are used for everything from securing your vessel to the dock to tying off fenders and securing equipment.

Knots are taught as part of our boating safety course, so contact your local flotilla or visit our website for the next boating safety course! Courses are available for all ages and various topics.

🎨 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

We’re thrilled to announce the rebranding of our beloved magazine from NavEx to Auxiliarist! This change reflects our commitment to highlighting the incredible stories, dedication, and spirit of our members. Join us as we embark on this new chapter, bringing you even more inspiring content, valuable insights, and updates from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary community.

Stay tuned for the latest edition of Auxiliarist, packed with everything you loved about NavEx and much more! 🚤⚓️

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The 2023 Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety stats have been released!

To learn more about the previous year’s stats check out the graphic below!

For the full report click here: https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3788966/coast-guard-releases-2023-recreational-boating-statistics/

https://www.facebook.com/BoatingCampaign/posts/pfbid022BwhihYJo1VRVYVPSet9iWEoYRS7ryVqMfND3ZypyP9CH1wrTNRqpTAJCwrwSyLJl

Prepare for the unexpected.

Both the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons have certified vessel examiners who will perform a free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) at your boat. There is no charge, and no consequences if you don't pass.

File a float plan – let someone know when and where you’re boating.

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National Safe Boating Week

Do you have the essential boating gear to be prepared on the water?
Items such as, but not limited to:
1. Life jackets for all passengers
2. Emergency signaling devices
3. Engine cut off switch
4. Float plan

You can learn all about the essential equipment required for safe boating by attending a Safe Boating course or visiting the Safe Boating Campaign website.

📸: Safe Boating Campaign

Put it all together in your boating life. No matter what boating activity you enjoy —WEAR IT! Boat smart from the start. Wear your life jacket.

PROPER FIT of your life jacket. Your life jacket should fit you snugly with all buckles and zippers correctly secured. An easy way to check for fit is to put your arms straight up in the air, like a referee signaling a touchdown in a football game. Have another boater test your life jacket fit by lifting the life jacket at the shoulders. The jacket should move no higher than your chin. If the jacket moves and covers your face, the same thing would happen in the water. Proper fit is key to maintaining flotation.

Feel free to use this boating safety poster (proportional to 8.5” x 11”) for your organization’s life jacket safety messaging. This design provides a blank area at the bottom for your organizational logo and/or website-social media.

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National Safe Boating week

Did you know the environment may stress your body & mind enough to make the risk of an accident much greater while boating?

📸: Safe Boating Campaign.

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National Safe Boating week

Wearing the correct life jacket is important for water safety as it is a crucial line of defense against drowning. Whether engaging in recreational activities like boating, personal watercraft, kayaking, or emergencies like boat accidents, a life jacket can provide buoyancy and keep individuals afloat, significantly increasing their chances of survival until help arrives. It acts as a safety net, offering peace of mind to the wearer and their loved ones, making it an indispensable precautionary measure for anyone venturing into water environments.

📸: Safe Boating Campaign.

Boating safety preparations are crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Here's a comprehensive guide on what you need to know:

Check Weather Conditions: Always check the weather forecast before heading out. Avoid boating in stormy or adverse weather conditions.

Inspect Your Boat: Before each outing, inspect your boat for any signs of damage, such as cracks, leaks, or loose fittings. Ensure that all safety equipment is on board and in good working condition.

Wear Life Jackets: Make sure that you and all passengers have properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) on board. Children should wear life jackets at all times.

Learn Navigation Rules: Familiarize yourself with the navigation rules and regulations for the body of water you'll be boating in. Understand right-of-way rules, navigation markers, and signals.

File a Float Plan: Let someone on land know your boating plans, including your intended route, destination, and estimated time of return. This ensures that someone can alert authorities if you don't return as planned.

Carry Safety Equipment: Ensure that your boat is equipped with essential safety gear.

Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and significantly increases the risk of accidents. Stay sober while operating a boat.

Be Prepared for Emergencies: Know how to respond to emergencies such as capsizing, engine failure, or medical emergencies. Have a plan in place and know how to use your safety equipment effectively.

Take a Boating Safety Course: Consider taking a boating safety course to improve your knowledge of boating regulations, navigation, and safety procedures.

Practice Safe Boating Behavior: Operate your boat at a safe speed, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid reckless behavior such as wakes near other boats or swimming areas.

To learn more, click here: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=for-boaters

2024 NSBW with CAPT Kuperman HD 1080p This video provide helpful information about boating safely for the recreational bating community.

Always wear a life jacket!

For life jacket fit facts visit: https://safeboatingcampaign.com/life-jackets/

There's no need to get stressed out when backing a boat with twin outboards. This handy guide will get you up to speed in no time.

Repost from U.S. Coast Guard Mid Atlantic for National Volunteer Week!

This week, the D5 Family recognizes Sandra Stewart with a !

Sandra joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2004 and has dedicated more than 7,000 hours volunteering to support Coast Guard missions and members! 👏

Throughout her years of service, Sandra has held many support and leadership positions. She is a valued mentor who takes time to thoroughly train Auxiliary and Active Duty members to make certain the D5 Auxiliary Team is a true force multiplier for USCG mission success.
💪⚓

Sandra said her father served in the Navy when she was growing up and she remembers seeing situations where having more help could benefit the crew. That’s why she joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary!

Sandra said one of the best things about her volunteer work is teaching and training others.

"I like working aboard cutters and meeting all the young people. I make sure to notice how much they enjoy having civilians working with them. I think we do a special job serving our country with the USCG." 🇺🇸

Thank you, Sandra, for your years of selfless service and dedication to the Coast Guard and its members. You are so appreciated!

📸 U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic

The next time you stop by Sector Eastrn Great Lakes, take a moment to appreciate our new front gate signage! Our Damage Controlmen (DCs) pictured here worked hard over the past few weeks to replace and install this bright, new display of units onboard base here in Buffalo.