The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the Coast Guard established by Congress in 1939 to assist in promoting boating safety. It boasts nearly 37,000 members from all walks of life who receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Coast Guard Forces. Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliarists donate more than 2 million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families. That's why we're called