The following was submitted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

At a meeting of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s San Juan Island Detachment last week in Friday Harbor, San Juan Community leaders joined the U.S. Coast Guard celebrating efforts to keep our boating community safe and collaborate on future safe boating initiatives.

Rick Hughes, Chair of the San Juan County Council; San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs; Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jason Tessier, Commanding Officer, Station Bellingham; and Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11 Commander Pam Chelgren-Koterba spoke at the meeting of the Auxiliary’s San Juan Islands Detachment.

Hughes and Krebs both expressed their appreciation to Station Bellingham and the work of the San Juan Islands Detachment of the Auxiliary.

Hughes discussed San Juan County’s interest in improving boater amenities. The county has placed an emphasis on improving both recreational boating safety and marine safety for residents and visitors who enjoy the beautiful waters surrounding the San Juan Islands.

Krebs talked about the increasing numbers of boaters in and around the islands, including the high number of customs entries at both Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor. He talked about San Juan County’s interest to increase cooperation between agencies at all levels to provide increased recreational boating safety for islanders and visitors alike.

Krebs highlighted the contributions the volunteer Auxiliary members have made to recreational boating safety in the San Juan Islands. Both Hughes and Krebs expressed their desire to build stronger ties with the Coast Guard and Auxiliary.

Tessier expressed his commitment to work closely with communities throughout Station Bellingham’s area of responsibility. In addition to the work of Coast Guard Station Bellingham for public safety and recreational boating safety, Tessier talked about the station’s desire to participate in community events in the San Juan Islands.

Chelgren-Koterba presented several members of the San Juan Island Detachment awards recognizing their commitment to recreational boating safety during the meeting. In 2017 alone, the Auxiliary’s San Juan Islands Detachment accomplished 248 vessel safety checks; numerous public education events and classes and safety patrols throughout the islands.

For more information about the Auxiliary’s San Juan Islands Detachment, please contact David Tribolet at (360) 376-3994.