U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Chicago Division 35

Boating season is BACK - are you ready?!!

Nothing beats time on the water—but safety always comes first.

Join us this May as Division 35 leads the way in boating education:

🛶 Paddlers Guide to Safety:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1967858961126?aff=oddtdtcreator

⚓ Boat America (Virtual – 3 Wednesdays):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985180544448?aff=oddtdtcreator

✅ Vessel Safety Check Prep Class:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985670253180?aff=oddtdtcreator

Let’s make this a safe and unforgettable season on the water! Sign up today!

The start to a busy boating season is coming—and Division 35 is getting ready 💪

Across our flotillas, members are gearing up through hands-on training—checking and maintaining equipment, practicing essential safety procedures, and building the skills needed to respond when it matters most. From the smallest detail to full-scale readiness, every step plays a role in keeping our waterways safe.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is committed to saving lives, promoting boating safety, and supporting our communities on and off the water.

We're prepared, equipped, and eady for the season ahead!

🚤 Get Your Free Vessel Safety Checks!

Think of it like a check-up…but for your boat.

Join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for a FREE Vessel Safety Check and head into boating season with confidence.—no fees, no fines, no tickets.

✔️ Ensure your boat meets federal & state safety requirements
✔️ Get peace of mind before boating season kicks off
✔️ Receive a 2026 safety decal upon passing

📍 Water Werks Boat Sales – Country Club Hills, IL
📅 Saturday, April 11th
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Don’t wait until you’re on the water to find out something’s wrong—let’s get you squared away ahead of time! ⚓

From seminars and demonstrations, highlighting the vital how-tos of sailing, to budget-friendly boats on sale, Yachtapalooza is a one day event perfect for boat lovers and aspiring sailors.

Members of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Chicago Flotilla 35-06 were out at Crowley's Yacht Yard Lakeside promoting recreational boating safety, reminding the public to sign up early for Vessel Safety Checks, and engaging with the public. We saw many familiar faces!

The weather might be brisk now...but we all have our compasses set on a warmer horizon.

⚓ Throwback to Division 35’s Change of Watch — February 15, 2026

What a great day at the American Legion in Evergreen Park as we celebrated leadership, service, and the year ahead. We were honored to welcome our keynote speaker, Captain Rhianna Macon, Commanding Officer of Sector Lake Michigan, United States Coast Guard, whose remarks reminded us of the strength of partnership between active duty and the Auxiliary.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of our new members and 2026 officers — a powerful moment that reflects our continued growth and commitment to mission readiness.

As members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, we proudly serve as a force multiplier for the United States Coast Guard. Every hour volunteered, every class taught, every safety patrol, and every life impacted reinforces that our work truly matters.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and impactful 2026. ⚓

Have a boat stored away for the winter? Now is a great time to take the Boat America class and brush up on your Illinois boating regulations. And when thinking about safety first this summer, wear a personal floatation device (PFD) on the water. It can save your life!

BZ shipmates!

Division 35 continues it's commitment to what matters most. We are saving lives, promoting boating safety across our region, expanding public education, and serving our community on and off the water.

Here’s to teamwork, service, and a strong year ahead.

⚓ Get a head start on boating season safety!
Our upcoming Vessel Safety Check (VSC) days at Chicago harbors are listed below. These free, no-penalty reviews help ensure your vessel is properly equipped before the season begins—and qualified vessels earn the official 2026 VSC decal.

Additional dates may be added, so be sure to check with your yacht club or harbor office early in the season for the most up-to-date schedule.

⚓️ Weekend Recap | Michiana Boat Show ⚓️

This past weekend at the Michiana Boat Show in South Bend, IN, members of Flotilla 35-01 GLD-WR, Flotilla 33-01, and Flotilla 33-02 Michigan City were hard at work supporting public outreach and education.

Their display included posters and materials promoting Sea Partners, covering important topics such as aquatic invasive species awareness, the importance of cleaning boats away from the water, marine debris education (including the Trash Game), and general marine safety.

In addition, a recruiting and public education table provided an opportunity to connect with the boating community, answer questions, and share how the Coast Guard Auxiliary supports safe and responsible boating.

Great work representing the Auxiliary and spreading awareness both on and off the water!

📷Melissa Mercer and Bryan Runion

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Great Lakes District Western Region
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Recreational Boating Safety Directorates

Learn essential boating safety from home in our live, instructor-led Boat America virtual course. The class is taught over three interactive sessions and meets boating safety education requirements. Household discount available: a second person from the same household may attend for $25 when sharing one course book—both participants earn their own certificate upon successfully passing the knowledge exam.

Sign up today 👇

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - February 11, 12, 13
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=095-35-06&course=33336

Mondays - March 2, 9, 16
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=095-35-06&course=33335

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - March 11, 12, 13
https://wow.uscgaux.info/pe_class_flyer.php?unit=095-35-06&course=33337