United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla, Knoxville-First 12-01

07/17/2026

DANDRIDGE, TENNESSEE - Knoxville-First Flotilla Member and VE Trainee Richard Goss (Left) observes Shane Lawson, Knoxville-First’s FSO-VE, as he inspects a pontoon boat at the flotilla’s Vessel Safety Check Station at the Town of Dandridge Dock and TWRA boat ramp on July 11, 2026.

07/17/2026

DANDRIDGE, TENNESSEE - Knoxville-First Flotilla Member Kaylyn Munsey prepares to distribute PE materials to the boating public at the flotilla’s Vessel Safety Check Station at the Town of Dandridge Dock and TWRA boat ramp on July 11, 2026.

07/06/2026

FREE Vessel Examinations Next Saturday

DANDRIDGE, TENNESSEE – The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Knoxville-First Flotilla invites all
Jefferson County boaters to get a free vessel safety examination on Saturday, July 11 th , at the boat launch
at the Dandridge Municipal Park on Chestnut Hill Road and Public Drive.
Coast Guard Auxiliary-certified vessel examiners will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) for your
boat (personal pleasure craft only) or jet ski between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. No appointment is
needed; just show up. There is no charge, and there are no consequences if you don& #39;t pass. Our goal is to
help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family, and your friends through education and
awareness.
An examiner will inspect your boat’s equipment, including navigation lights and life jackets, to ensure
your safety on the water. Your boat will earn the VSC decal if it meets all the requirements. Paddle craft
(kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards) can also receive an inspection. Your decal may provide
third-party benefits – consult your insurance provider for more information. Additionally, the decal
informs the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency that your vessel complies with all their requirements.
Boaters are urged to take advantage of programs offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S.
Power Squadron; volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. To find out more, visit
www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org .
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports
the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org

06/27/2026

06/27/2026

Members of Knoxville-First and nearby flotillas were hard at work over the weekend, training for their boat crew member qualifications.

05/29/2026

The National Recreational Boating Safety Survey (NRBSS) is a nationwide survey sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard to understand how many people go boating, what types of boats they use, and how often they are on the water. As part of the survey, we are asking for volunteers to complete a brief sign-up page asking about their boating habits and share their contact information with the Coast Guard so a wide range of boaters can be invited to participate in the larger NRBSS survey later in the year.

To volunteer, please go to https://norcfed.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ezfBlrTYxLdG4e.

05/18/2026

Auxiliarists Richard Goss and Chris Manning were hosted by the West Marine Store Manager in Knoxville on Saturday, May 16th. In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, they greeted customers and offered complimentary recreational safe boating materials. Our goal is to keep every boater and their families safe on the water.

05/18/2026

In partnership with the Knox County Parks & Recreation Department, the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Knoxville-First Flotilla conducted free vessel safety examinations on Saturday, May 16th, at the boat launch at Concord Park, 10924 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922.

Coast Guard Auxiliary-certified vessel examiners performed ten (10) Vessel Safety Checks (VSC) on personal pleasure craft, jet skis, and kayaks between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Our goal is to help make boating as safe as possible for you, your family, and your friends through education.

Boaters are urged to take advantage of programs offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadron, volunteer organizations dedicated to promoting safe boating. To find out more, visit www.cgaux.org or www.usps.org

05/03/2026

KNOXVILLE- Jamie Cavin, Knoxville-First’s FSO-OP (Right), displays the American Campaign Streamer on the flotilla flag at the monthly flotilla meeting on April 9, 2026, along with Donald Rifkin, Flotilla Commander. The streamer, authorized by ALAUX 020/24 and recognizing the Auxiliary’s service during World War II, was purchased and donated by AUX Cavin.

05/03/2026

KNOXVILLE- Jamie Cavin, Knoxville-First’s FSO-OP (Right), affixes the American Campaign Streamer to the flotilla flag at the monthly flotilla meeting on April 9, 2026, while Donald Rifkin, Flotilla Commander, looks on. The streamer, authorized by ALAUX 020/24 and recognizing the Auxiliary’s service during World War II, was purchased and donated by AUX Cavin.