Guest Editorial: The Coast Guard is back in town--including Croton and Ossining.
A recent re-organization of the local Division has led to a revitalized presence of the USCG Auxiliary in these neighboring waterfront communities.
by Division Commander Charles J. Fitzpatrick
Editor’s note: As we reported earlier, this year’s Hudson River Day at the Croton Yacht Club was a resounding success. Among those staffing tables and displays at the event were members of our local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. We gladly accepted an offer by their Public Affairs Officer to tell us what they were up to these days on the waterfront.
The long days of Summer have begun to yield to the coming Autumn, but what a Summer it was! More boats that ever transitioned along the Croton Riverfront this year, and if you looked closely, you may have caught a glimpse of the telltale blue uniforms and orange pfd’s of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary amongst them.
These safety patrols conducted by local volunteers are not about law enforcement, but serve to assist vessels in distress and help maintain a safe, clear, channel. A recent re-organization of the local Division has led to a revitalized presence of the Auxiliary in both Croton and neighboring Ossining. Specifically, the moves guarantee that local residents will still have access to the U.S. Coast Guard sanctioned boating safety class required by NY State, as well as the free annual vessel safety check which gives voters the piece of mind of knowing their personal boats have all of the required equipment on them for the coming boating season. Free inspections are also available for Fishing Charters and other passenger vessels.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. In addition to training as boat crew, members support a number of departments including public affairs, telecommunications and even culinary. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939.
For more information about boating safety classes, free vessel safety checks or to see how you can contribute to Team Coast Guard as an Auxiliarist please visit www.cgaux.org
Charles J. Fitzpatrick is Division Commander for the USCG Auxiliary, Hudson River East D1SR
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