Mission of the Coast Guard Auxiliary
Congress established the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1939, to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It is composed of over 37,000 members from all walks of life who work alongside the 35,000 women and men of the regular and reserve Coast Guard. Auxilarists are drawn together by their love of the water and a willingness to serve their country and other boaters. Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Coast Guard forces.

Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law-enforcement programs such as public education, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliary members volunteer over 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.