On Grand Lake, Ohio’s largest inland body of water, there has been minimal C. G. Auxiliary activity. Up to now their activity here has been provided by boats from other lakes and even the Ohio River. This is not an acceptable situation. Law enforcement and boating safety officials serving the Grand Lake have encouraged the Coast Guard Auxiliary to bring additional safety services to the lake. The means to accomplish this endeavor is to develop a local unit, called a flotilla.
Coast Guard Auxiliary Division Six is pleased that this group of dedicated local boaters are, Friday, being presented with a Charter by the United Sates Coast Guard. From this point forward they shall be recognized as the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Grand Lake Saint Marys Flotilla 12, Division 6, and District 8 Eastern or 08e-06-12.
This new USCG Auxiliary Flotilla, with increased local membership, will offer safety patrols during peak periods of lake activity. We expect to have a substantial presence at the Governor’s Cup Regatta, fireworks shows and similar lake based events. The primary area of responsibility of the new flotilla is Grand Lake Saint Marys.
Our band of dedicated boating safety advocates provide needed public services on and off the water. Skilled auxiliarists teach certified boating classes from short one day quickies to thirteen session advanced courses for seasoned boaters. These courses are usually taught in the off season. The Auxiliary offers the boat owner a vessel safety examination. This is a safety equipment check strictly between boater and auxiliarist. No report ever goes to any law enforcement agency. Boats passing the examination are awarded a coveted safe boat sticker.
So that the public may have a better understanding of the auxiliary mission, an open house will be held at the Richardson-Bretz building, 119 W. Fulton St., Celina, on January 25, 2012, at 7:00 P.M.. Attendees will learn about jobs in operations and flotilla support. Specific training is provided for their area of interest.
The C. G. Auxiliary is interested in people who are willing to devote some of their valuable time to boating safety, learn new skills, and make new friends with common interests. If you cannot join us on January 25th, call Larry Baker at 419-268-1141 to learn more about what the USCG Auxiliary has to offer.