Fort Myers Beach Coast Guard Auxiliary

06/13/2026

U.S. Coast Guard accepts delivery of 63rd Fast Response Cutter named for 9/11 hero > United States Coast Guard News > Press Releases

KEY WEST — The U.S. Coast Guard accepted delivery of the 63rd Fast Response Cutter, Jeffrey Palazzo (WPC 1163), on Thursday in Key West.Jeffrey Palazzo is the fifth FRC to be homeported in Guam,

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

If you love spending time on the water, connecting with like-minded people, and making a real difference in your local waters, joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 91 in Fort Myers Beach is a perfect fit. It channels your passion for boating into meaningful action, allowing you to volunteer alongside dedicated crew members to teach boater safety courses, conduct vessel checks, and support active-duty Coast Guard missions. By joining Flotilla 91, you aren't just joining a club; you are becoming part of a vital lifesaving team that keeps the Fort Myers Beach boating community safe, educated, and connected. Call 239-690-6780 Ext 5 to learn more or visit http://www.Aux91FMB.org/Join.cfm

06/12/2026

Boating on shared waterways means you'll encounter a variety of other vessels, and not all operators will be as experienced or attentive as they should be. Being prepared to handle "unknowing" boaters is crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone on the water. Here's how you can be prepared:

**What to Do When the "Other Guy Doesn't Know the Rules":**

* **Always Avoid Collision: This is the most important rule. Regardless of who has the "right-of-way," if a collision is imminent, you are obligated to take action to prevent it. This may mean slowing down, stopping, or altering your course, even if you are the "stand-on" vessel.

* **Communicate: Use sound signals to alert the other boater to your presence and intentions. If you have a VHF radio, try to hail them (e.g., "Fishing vessel off my port bow, this is [your boat name], you appear to be on a collision course").

* **Create Distance: If an aggressive or unpredictable boater is putting others at risk, try to create as much distance as possible between your vessels.

* **Report Dangerous Behavior: If a boater is operating recklessly and endangering others, report them to the local authorities or the Coast Guard. Provide as much detail as possible, including the boat's registration number, description, and the nature of the aggressive behavior.

Don't make a poor decision that will put you on the 9 o'clock news!
By understanding the rules, practicing defensive boating, and being prepared for the unexpected, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with encountering unknowing boaters and enjoy a safer experience on the water.
Enroll in a Boating Safety Class. Call 239-690-6780 or online at https://www.aux91fmb.org/safeboating/
Like & share this post to your favorite boating group.

06/11/2026

Boating on shared waterways means you'll encounter a variety of other vessels, and not all operators will be as experienced or attentive as they should be. Being prepared to handle "unknowing" boaters is crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone on the water. Here's how you can be prepared:

Prepare Yourself and Your Boat:

* **Take a Boating Safety Course:This is the best way to learn the "Rules of the Road" and essential boating safety practices. Many states require it for certain operators.

* **Have a Designated Lookout: Especially in high-traffic areas, assign a dedicated person to watch for other vessels and hazards.

* **Check Weather Forecasts: Unpredictable weather can quickly turn a pleasant outing into a dangerous situation, limiting visibility and making maneuvering difficult.

* **Prepare a Safety Kit: Ensure you have all required safety equipment on board, including life jackets for everyone, a first-aid kit, flares, a fire extinguisher, and a working VHF radio.

* **File a Float Plan: Inform someone on shore of your boating plans, including your destination, estimated return time, and who is on board.

* **Don't Overload Your Boat: Adhere to your boat's weight and passenger capacity limits.

Don't make a poor decision that will put you on the 9 o'clock news!
By understanding the rules, practicing defensive boating, and being prepared for the unexpected, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with encountering unknowing boaters and enjoy a safer experience on the water.
Enroll in a Boating Safety Class. Call 239-690-6780 or online at https://www.aux91fmb.org/safeboating/
Like & share this post to your favorite boating group.

06/10/2026

Boating on shared waterways means you'll encounter a variety of other vessels, and not all operators will be as experienced or attentive as they should be. Being prepared to handle "unknowing" boaters is crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone on the water. Here's how you can be prepared:

Be a Defensive Boater:

* **Maintain a Proper Lookout (Eyes and Ears): This is paramount. Always be scanning the horizon 360 degrees for other boats, navigation aids, people in the water, and potential hazards.

* **Assume Nothing: Never assume another boater sees you or will act predictably. Assume they might make a wrong move or not know the rules.

* **Operate at a Safe Speed: Adjust your speed to conditions, visibility, and traffic density. Slow down in congested areas, no-wake zones, and areas with limited visibility (fog, night). A safe speed allows you to react quickly to unexpected situations.

* **Give Plenty of Space: Maintain a safe distance (100 feet or more is a good guideline) from other vessels, especially when passing or in close quarters. This gives you time and space to react if they do something unexpected.

* **Anticipate Actions: Try to predict what other boaters might do, even if it's incorrect. Look for subtle cues like changes in speed or heading. If you see a boat that appears to be on a collision course (its bearing relative to a fixed object on shore isn't changing), take action immediately.

* **Make Your Intentions Clear: If you need to alter course or speed, make it obvious and substantial. Small, hesitant changes can be misinterpreted. Use sound signals (horn blasts) to communicate your intentions

* **Use Visual Signals: Ensure your navigation lights are on from dusk to dawn and in low visibility. Carry flares for distress signals. Consider a radar reflector and AIS (Automatic Identification System) if you frequent areas with large commercial traffic.

* **Stay Sober and Well-Rested: Alcohol and fatigue impair judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

Don't make a poor decision that will put you on the 9 o'clock news!
By understanding the rules, practicing defensive boating, and being prepared for the unexpected, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with encountering unknowing boaters and enjoy a safer experience on the water.
Enroll in a Boating Safety Class. Call 239-690-6780 or online at https://www.aux91fmb.org/safeboating/
Like & share this post to your favorite boating group.

06/09/2026

Boating on shared waterways means you'll encounter a variety of other vessels, and not all operators will be as experienced or attentive as they should be. Being prepared to handle "unknowing" boaters is crucial for your safety and the safety of everyone on the water. Here's how you can be prepared:

** Master the "Rules of the Road" (Navigation Rules):
This is the most fundamental aspect of safe boating. You need to know and understand the official navigation rules that govern all boat traffic. These rules dictate who has the "right-of-way" in various situations and how vessels should maneuver to avoid collisions. Key scenarios include:

**Meeting Head-On: When two boats approach each other head-on, both should alter their course to starboard (right) to pass port-to-port (left side to left side), similar to cars on a road.

**Crossing Paths: When two boats are crossing paths, the boat on the right (approaching from your starboard side) has the right of way. You are the "give-way" vessel and must slow down or change course to pass safely behind it.

**Overtaking: The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is always the "give-way" vessel. The boat being overtaken is the "stand-on" vessel and should maintain its course and speed.

**Hierarchy of Vessels: Generally, recreational powerboats must yield to less maneuverable vessels, such as:
* Vessels not under command
* Vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver
* Sailboats
* Paddlecraft

Don't make a poor decision that will put you on the 9 o'clock news!
By understanding the rules, practicing defensive boating, and being prepared for the unexpected, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with encountering unknowing boaters and enjoy a safer experience on the water.
Enroll in a Boating Safety Class today. Call 239-690-6780 or online at https://www.aux91fmb.org/safeboating/
Like & share this post to your favorite boating group.

06/08/2026

Consider volunteering with the Coast Guard Auxiliary Fort Myers Beach.
http://www.aux91fmb.org/join.cfm

https://youtu.be/lO1XXV97lII?si=O_QhCugtCcBJzDZ5

Use this address to find a Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla near you:http://join.cgaux.org/joinAn introduction to the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary for p...

06/05/2026

For boaters in the Fort Myers Beach area, a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) from Flotilla 91 is a "no-risk, all-reward" way to ensure a safe day on the water.
Here are the three most important reasons to get one:
Avoid Costly Fines and Citations: In Florida, a significant portion of boating citations are issued for missing or expired safety equipment and registration issues. A VSC ensures you are in full compliance with Federal and Florida state laws before you are stopped by law enforcement, saving you from potential fines that far exceed the "cost" of this free service.
100% Risk-Free and Confidential: The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a civilian volunteer organization, not a law enforcement agency. If your vessel does not pass the check, no citation is issued. Instead, the examiner provides a checklist of what needs to be fixed so you can handle it privately and schedule a re-check when you're ready.
The "Safety Seal" of Confidence: Vessels that pass are awarded a distinctive VSC decal to display on their windshield. While it doesn't exempt you from law enforcement boardings, it signals to others that you are a responsible boater who has already met the highest safety standards.
Schedule your visit today at https://www.aux91fmb.org/vsc.cfm or call 239-690-6780 - Like & share this post to your favorite boating group.