75 Vol. 83, No. 1 | Proceedings Challenges and Opportunities While the Auxiliary’s outreach is extensive, challenges persist. Reaching nontraditional and underrepresented boating communities requires new strategies and resources. Language barriers, technology gaps, and cul- tural differences can all impact the effectiveness of safety messaging. To address these challenges, some flotillas have begun developing bilingual materials and are now using QR codes on printed materials that link to digital resources in multiple languages. These efforts under- score the Auxiliary’s adaptability and commitment to serving all boating communities. The future of the Auxiliary is focused on innovation and a broader reach to the communities it serves. At the same time, the Auxiliary continues to work on growing its membership to better reflect the nation’s population and waterways. With just under 19,000 members, recruit- ment and retention is essential for continued success. The Auxiliary’s education and outreach programs form the bedrock of America’s recreational boating safety strategy. From classrooms and marinas to smartphones and social media feeds, the Auxiliary meets boaters where they are, sharing accurate information, compas- sionate service, and a tireless commitment to saving lives. As technology evolves and boating demographics shift, the Auxiliary is rising to meet the moment by embracing innovation, expanding access, and leading with purpose. In doing so, it strengthens not just individual boaters, but the collective safety of our nation’s waters. When the sun rises on each new boating season, there are Auxiliarists ready to educate, inspect, and inform. Their mission is not just about rules and regulations. It is about stewardship, service, and safeguarding the very freedom to navigate our nation’s rivers, lakes, and seas. About the author: Barry Denton, AUXPA1, is Deputy Assistant National Commo- dore of FORCECOM for the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s in criminal justice from the University of Louisville, his second master’s in emergency management from the American Military University, and his Doctorate in Organi- zational and Educational Leadership from Spalding University. References: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. (n.d.). National Safe Boating Week: Drowning and life jacket statistics. WOW USCG Auxiliary. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?category=natl-safe-boating- week&unit=113-07-03. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. (n.d.). Understanding Boating Safety. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://wow.uscgaux.info/content. php?category=understand-boating-safety&unit=113-06-04. United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. (n.d.). U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary official web portal. CGAUX. Retrieved August 2, 2025, from https://www.cgaux.org. Coast Guard Auxiliarist Greg Norton secures a safety zone for the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival boat race in Madisonville, Louisiana, in October 2022. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Wisdom
