The Coast Guard Auxiliary, part of the Department of Homeland Security, promotes boating safety.
By SHARI MISSMAN MILLER
Published May 16, 2003
A few times a week, retired U.S. Marine Dave Rusinko, retired Army Col. Kathi Kruczek and retired Delta Air Lines employee Richard Rioles get together to go boating.
Although they enjoy spending time on the water, it's not just for fun. They are members of Tampa's Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 79.
They joined the volunteer team to educate and assist other boaters. "We try to ensure recreational boaters have an enjoyable time," Kruczek said.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was established in 1939 to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. Formerly under the Department of Transportation, the auxiliary is now a part of the Department of Homeland Security created after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Anyone willing to train and uphold the Coast Guard's mission is welcome to join the crew. Training involves a 12-week boating safety class, plus extensive hours of on-the-water experience.
Volunteers range in age and occupation. The only requirement is an enthusiasm for boating and a desire to help others.
Rusinko, a two-year auxiliary volunteer, serves as the crew's captain, called a coxswain. Each week, they perform training missions and random safety patrols in the waters around Tampa.
Their responsibilities range from towing stranded boaters to clearing security areas. They also perform search and rescue missions.
Although they aren't law enforcement officers, the auxiliary crew members have a direct link to the national Coast Guard and are authorized to call for assistance.
On land, they educate the public about boating safety and offer free vessel checks. They check for life vests, properly working signals and other safety equipment.
Nationally, more than 35,000 volunteers assist the Coast Guard. Tampa's auxiliary, more than 60 years old, has about 80 members and 10 vessels, most of which belong to crew members. While on patrol, the boats are marked with signs and a strobe light.
In observation of National Boating Safety Week, which starts Saturday, the auxiliary is doing boat inspections at the Gandy Boulevard ramp. Volunteers will go over regulations and various points of boating courtesy.
There will also be information on child boating safety.
The auxiliary offers a 12-week boating safety class at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at its building at 5108 W Gandy Blvd. The course costs $35 and includes materials.
For information on joining the auxiliary or attending boating safety classes, call Newton Anderson at 251-0362.
