Flotilla 87, Fifth District Southern Region, Lake Anna, VA

The Commander's Corner

We are the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 87 - Lake Anna - proud members of TEAM Coast Guard. The Flotilla was founded in 1993 to provide assistance to the increasing numbers of boaters on Lake Anna. The Auxiliary is composed of dedicated volunteers who support the U.S. Coast Guard's mission to promote boating safety on America's waterways. We are trained to Coast Guard standards in order to perform certain skills.

Our theme is Think Safety, Boat safely. Our primary mission is to promote boating safety among recreational boaters, especially on Lake Anna. Some Auxiliary members teach safe boating practices through the classes we offer. Some perform complimentary boat inspections (VSCs - Vessel Safety Checks) to insure state required equipment is on board and functioning. Other members maintain displays of safety related brochures and materials for businesses that serve the boating public. Still others routinely patrol the lake during the summer months to help everyone enjoy a safe, fun day on the water.

In the Coast Guard Auxiliary, there are a variety of responsibilities requiring a diverse set of skills and talents. Whether you are proficient at computers or cooking, there is an opportunity for you to share what you know and what you can do in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Auxiliary also provides an excellent opportunity for you to improve your boating skills and knowledge and then share that knowledge with others. The classroom and on the water training that we, as members, receive from the Coast Guard is excellent and not available to the general public.

There is much work to be done in order to support Coast Guard missions and to serve the Lake Anna community. If you are interested in a challenging and rewarding experience, we are interested in you. We are always looking for new members in our Coast Guard Auxiliary family. Call me at (703) 362-6387- or email me at fc@a0540807.uscgaux.info. I look forward to hearing from you.

Maureen Daniels, Commander, Flotilla 87 - Lake Anna

The Virginia Boating Safety Compliance requirement enters its fourth year of a multi year phase-in. This requirement means that boat operators will have to successfully complete a NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved safe boating course, like Boat Virginia.

This year, as of July 1, 2012, All PWC operators, AND all motorboat operators 30 years of age and under will have to meet the state education requirement.

NOTE: The minimum age to operate a PWC is 16 years of age. However, 14 or 15 year olds, who carry proof of passing a boating safety course that is NASBLA approved and accepted by DGIF, may operate these craft. This law is separate from the boating safety education requirement being phased-in. 14 or 15 year olds cannot take the challenge exam. They cannot operate a PWC under the supervision of someone who meets the boating safety education requirement.

To assure we have enough materials for students, we encourage students to pre-register for our classes via the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishery (DGIF) online registration process. It's simple, visit our class calendar and click the class of interest and follow the online instructions. Having trouble registering online, contact Jean McCormick, FSO-PE, who heads the education program. Jean can be reached at 571-236-5247 or jeanmccor@aol.com.

Note: If your community, organization, or homeowners’ association would like to arrange a safe boating class or a safe boating speaker for your group, call Jean (info above) to see how we can accommodate your request.