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

A stern tow exercise on Lake Anna

Welcome to the Online and Home Port of Flotilla 87,
your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla on Lake Anna, VA.
We appreciate your visit to our web site!

The Commander's Corner

We are the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 87, Lake Anna--proud members of the United States Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security. We are the all volunteer, non military, non law enforcement component. The Flotilla was founded in 1993 to provide assistance to the increasing number of boaters on Lake Anna.

The Auxiliary is composed of dedicated volunteers who support the U.S. Coast Guard's mission to promote safe boating on America's waterways. We are trained to Coast Guard standards in order to perform specific 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.

The Auxiliary provides an excellent opportunity for members to improve general knowledge and boating skills. The classroom and on-the-water training that we receive from the Coast Guard is outstanding and not available to the general public.

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, communications or cooking, there is an opportunity for you to share what you know and what you can do. 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 and want to become involved in promoting boating safety, we are interested in you. We welcome new members in our Coast Guard Auxiliary family!

Call me at 571-236-5247 or email me at jeanmccor@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jean McCormick, Commander, Flotilla 87 - Lake Anna

This is the next phase-in of the Education Compliance Requirement for all Virginia boaters.

Beginning July 1, 2013, all motorboat operators ages 40 and younger need to pass a boating safety course. All PWC operators, regardless of age, must already carry proof that they have passed an approved safe boating class.

NOTE: PWC Age Restriction: No person under the age of 14 may operate a PWC. Those operators 14 and 15 MUST show proof of completing an approved and accepted boating safety course either in a classroom or online. The challenge exam or other provisions of the Education Compliance Requirement do not meet the requirements of the age restriction law.

To insure we have enough materials for students, we require that attendees pre-register for all Auxiliary classes through the DGIF website or by calling Flotilla 87 Commander, Jean McCormick, at 571-236-5247 or emailing her at jeanmccor@aol.com.

Coast Auxiliary instructors are dually certified by the United States Coast Guard and the State of Virginia.

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.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 87, is a proud member of the Lake Anna Civic Association’s Emergency Services Committee, which is currently chaired by Immediate Past Flotilla Commander, Maureen Daniels. The group is composed of Louisa and Spotsylvania law enforcement and emergency services, the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Lake Anna Civic Association, the Lake Anna State Park, Dominion Power, the Lake Anna Chamber of Commerce, the Lake Anna Business Partnership, marinas and other businesses that serve the Lake Anna community.

This coalition is united in its goal to promote safe boating practices on the lake and to improve response time to emergencies. Our work is ongoing. We continue to identify ways to improve communication, cooperation and coordination among all first responders.

It has been a common frustration among police, fire & rescue and CGAUX to figure out exactly where an incident has occurred on the lake. Even folks who live on the water are sometimes challenged to specifically identify where they are at any given time. Critical time can be lost finding a victim who is “near some docks” or “at the islands.” .

To help provide the safest boating environment for all Lake Anna’s users, the coalition has implemented the following public safety measures to assist boaters:

  1. Bridges are now named and indicate it they are “low clearance.”
  2. A user friendly orientation map has been designed and will continue to be distributed by marinas to help boaters find their way around the lake.
  3. Dock signs, our latest initiative, are 8”x16” yellow with black lettering aluminum signs that you will see on waterfront docks, common areas and islands around the lake. In the event of an emergency, use this information so 911 will know exactly where you are. The dock sign is linked to the street address, making it easier and more efficient for 911 to send appropriate resources to those in need of help. Go to www.lakeannavirginia.org to download an application for a dock sign.

Think safety. Boat safely. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Note landmarks and dock signs. Become familiar with the Lake Anna orientation map and use it as a reference on the water. Enjoy your time at the lake. Have fun! Keep safe!

Finding Your Way on Lake Anna!

To help find your way while boating on Lake Anna, use this Lake Anna orientation map (click here). The map is a public safety initiative developed by the Lake Anna Civic Association’s Emergency Services Committee. For more information, see article, Safety Coalition on this page.

Dock Signs Are 911 Location Markers

While boating on Lake Anna, look for yellow signs with black lettering on docks, common areas, and islands to use as 911 emergency location markers. In an emergency, use this information to tell 911 exactly where you are. The signs are linked to the 911 street address.

 yellow signs with black lettering linked to 911 address

You’re Invited!

Come to a Flotilla meeting the 3rd Monday of each month (unless otherwise specified here) at 1900 (refreshments 1845 at the Louisa County Library (881 Davis Hwy, Mineral, VA).The library is located between the high school and middle school on Route 22 between Mineral and Louisa. See location here.

SiteMap | Flotilla Brochure | Web-manager | Page last update Sun, 21-Apr-2013 13:10