Colorado’s U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary urges boaters to be safe this summer

DENVER (KDVR) — Some consider Memorial Day as the unofficial start to summer, which means boating season is here too.

One organization that you may not typically associate with the state of Colorado wants to keep you safe on the water.

On Saturday at Chatfield State Park, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary hosted its annual Blessing of the Fleet event.

“We celebrate National Safe Boating Week, we celebrate a blessing of our fleet and we celebrate Memorial Day,” says Carl Koonsman with the USCGA.

Yes, this part of the Coast Guard even operates in a landlocked state.

“We have an awful lot of questions asked,” laughed Koonsman. “Why are you in Colorado?”

The Auxiliary is a non-military volunteer component of the Coast Guard, created in 1939 for one purpose.

“Congress said we’re going to have a Coast Guard Auxiliary and your job is recreational boating safety,” Koonsman said.

While park rangers are there to enforce laws, the USCGA provides education. That’s something Koonsman believes the new law requiring anyone under 18 to be certified before operating a boat will help with.

“Taking a boating class gives you some insight,” he said. “I mean, an awful lot of people grew up with boats and they feel like they can be safe. But there are some details that are contained in a class that would help make them better boaters.”

Details like Koonsman’s four most important boating tips.

“Wear your life jacket. You never know when you’re going to fall in the water accidentally,” he says. “Number two, get your vessel exam. Have it checked out for Coast Guard standards. And number three, take a class.”

The most important part, he said, was No. 4: “Wear your life jacket. Just like number one.”

If you want to make sure you’re staying especially safe this summer, the USCGA offers those vessel checks for free , along with boating safety classes for a small fee.

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