Christopher Todd and Don Frasch accepted a nautical desk clock on behalf of Flotilla 6-11, which was named Flotilla of Year for combined vessel examination and recreational boating safety visitor program performance growth. (USCG Auxiliary photo)

OAK BROOK, Ill. – The Sixth Division of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the uniformed volunteer component of the Seventh District Coast Guard, announced today that three flotillas and one unit serving Miami-Dade County captured several first-place awards for efforts to promote recreational boating safety.  The annual event was held at the Coast Guard Auxiliary National Convention in Oak Brook, Ill., Saturday and was attended by Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad W. Allen, who helped present several awards.

The following Coast Guard Auxiliary units received awards:

Flotilla 65 of Cutler Ridge, Fla., and South Miami, Fla., received the “Flotilla of the Year – Public Education” award for their work teaching recreational boating safety to local residents; including many members of the local Boy Scout troops.

Flotilla 6-11 of Miami, Fla., received the Marine Dealers Association of America “Flotilla of the Year” award for their outstanding performance and dedication to conducting free recreational vessel safety checks, and developing partnerships with area boat dealers and marine industry businesses to help promote safe boating practices.

Flotilla 63 of Coconut Grove, Fla., received special recognition for accomplishing the second highest number of vessel safety checks in the U.S. during 2008.

The Auxiliary’s South Florida Public Affairs unit also captured top national honors, on behalf of the Seventh Coast Guard District Auxiliary, for their work to promote recreational boating safety during this year's National Safe Boating Week in Miami.  The distinction included special recognition of the team's special project with former Miami Dolphins quarterback, Dan Marino, coordinated by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 3 in Broward County.

“These awards clearly demonstrate the dedication of our volunteer members toward helping South Florida boaters enjoy our local waters safely,” said Eduardo Burbank, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 6, Miami. “We are committed to helping to save lives on the water, and I am very pleased that our hard work has been recognized.”

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary can be found throughout the waterways and marinas of South Florida helping to educate the boating public about recreational boating safety, Homeland Security, and environmental protection initiatives. For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, please visit: http://cgaux.com 

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated the Auxiliary in 1941. Its over 28,000 members contribute millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.