Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

[JGREGORY]

I am a firefighter and former EMS technician that is tired of the rivalry, bickering, and political infighting within these organizations. I was looking for a change of pace w/o the pressure of having to explain that my family comes first.<br /><br />I have three Flotillas within a 20 minute drive but I am kinda trying to figure about what is involved.

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Re: Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

This is my impression of the CG Auxilary.<br /><br />I took a safe boating class from them (part of my coaching certification) It was the most boring, rambling 12 weeks (days) ever. <br /><br />All the material could have been covered in about two weeks (days).<br /><br />I was then Rowing out of Stony Brook harbor, and got caught in a rip current, flipped over (26 foot boat, 12 inch beam) and was at least a half a mile out into Long Island Sound before I could recover.<br /><br />I was passed by a bunch of knuckleheads, WOT, in a cruiser with the Coast Guard Auxilary Banner. Not only did they swamp me. They failed to even ask if I need help ( I was clearly in a distress situation)<br /><br />As I returned to the shore, I saw those jerks in their cheap wannabee polyester uniforms acting all high and mighty on their boat. <br /><br />They then faced a good ten minute verbal tirade from me in front of all their peers.<br /><br />I don't know about other CGA Flotillas, but the ones I ran across in Suffolk County, NY are nothing more than waterlogged Barney Fifes.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

The "water logged Barney Fifes" cracked me up. Good one, very descriptive.

 

[JGREGORY]

Re: Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

Thanks to all will forget it and spend more time with family instead.<br /><br />Although I will say we had good experience with them after we broke down they towed us in. Not a scratch on the boat, and very courteous.

 

[kdmiller8251]

Re: Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

Just my 2Cents... I have not had the pleasure of running across these folks... But you have bad apples in every bunch... It is always good to give back to the community no matter what the situation is. I am sure there are a lot of fellow boaters that could benefit from your experience and maybe even save someones life. If you have the free time and inclanation go for it... <br /><br />It may not be all that bad...<br /><br />Tallman

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Re: Anyone in the Coast Guard Auxilliary?

I think I will remain an independent contractor for free assistance. <br /><br />Badges, I don't need no stink'n badge.<br /><br />If some one needs a tow, I'll tow them (once pulled a 35 bayliner up the Connetqout in a rowing shell).<br />If they need gas, I'll give them what I can spare.<br /> If someone is in danger of drowning I'll pull them out of the water and give them medical assistance if needed ( I was a life guard, and the wife is a nurse)<br />If somebody is doing something stupid, and endangering lives, I'll call the real coasties or harbor patrol.<br /><br />and all I ask in return is a thank you.