LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – Southern California communities formally recognized the efforts of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of the Southwest District – Southern Region (SWD-SR) that actively promoted the 2026 National Safe Boating Week (NSBW), observed May 16–22, 2026.
Several of the Auxiliary units in Los Angeles County assisted to advance the goals of this national campaign that is organized by the National Safe Boating Council, which seeks to improve safe boating practices and habits on the water and increase awareness throughout the boating season.
Los Angeles County Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell officially recognized the 2026 National Safe Boating Week and the contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Divisions that serve the immense county.
Through collaborative outreach and public education initiatives, Divisions 4 (San Fernando Valley), 5 (Los Angeles Harbors and South Bay), 11 (Inland/ Riverside and San Bernardino), and 12 (Santa Monica Bay) were honored for their commitment to recreational boating safety and community service.
Supervisor Mitchell highlighted the dedication of Auxiliary members of these Divisions, announcing: “In recognition of dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all the residents of Los Angeles County.”
The City of Torrance, under the leadership of Mayor George Chen and the City Council proclaimed May 16–22, 2026, as National Safe Boating Week during a City Council meeting. Local Coast Guard Auxiliary leadership formally accepted the proclamation and addressed Council members and attendees during the ceremony, stressing the importance of boating safety, wearing a Personal Flotation Device, becoming a better educated boater and getting free vessel safety examinations.
The proclamation also acknowledged the efforts of local Auxiliarists, noting that: “by the Division 12 Public Affairs Team in addition to other Auxiliarists from neighboring units, have consistently participated with the City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade events planning and interact with general public attendees at the Parade and static displays in an effort to educate and advance Recreational Boating Safety.”
The NSBW corresponds with The Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade that honors the sacrifices of our nation’s military and also celebrates the active duty and reserve members of the armed services. This 3-day celebration hosts thousands of southland attendees and is an important event for boating safety outreach due to its proximity to the Santa Monica Bay, which has the largest recreational boating marina in the United States.
Torrance has the distinction of being one of only a few communities nationwide to have official designation by the Department of Defense as a sanctioned Armed Forces community parade. It also holds the distinction of being the nation’s longest continuously held Armed Forces Day parade, having been a city sponsored annual event since 1960.
Members of the Hawthorne City Council, governed by Mayor Alex Vargas and Mayor Pro Tem Faye Johnson, issued a City Proclamation recognizing the 2026 National Safe Boating Week.
The Hawthorne proclamation emphasized: “essential safety practices, including the consistent use of U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, safe vessel operation, avoiding boating under the influence, and being properly prepared before heading out on the water.”
Hawthorne’s proclamation further highlighted that: “NSBW also promotes educational opportunities such as boating safety courses, obtaining the California Boater Card, and participating in free Vessel Safety Checks provided by organizations like the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.”
As of January 1, 2025, California requires all recreational boat operators—with limited exceptions—to possess a California Boater Card.
Further demonstrating a strong community commitment and support for boating safety, the City of Glendora, led by Mayor David Fredendall, Mayor Pro Tem Karen Davis, and City Council members, presented U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary SWD-SR Division 11 with a Certificate of Recognition.
The certificate stated: “In recognition of and appreciation for your efforts to promote boating safety awareness and public education during National Safe Boating Week – May 16-22, 2026. Thank you for helping to protect the safety and welfare of boating communities throughout California!”
This recognition is especially meaningful given Division 11’s focus is on inland lakes and waterways, where boating safety advocacy remains a key priority due to congested recreational water environments and increased interaction of smaller vessels and personal watercraft.
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
Additionally, the active duty PA team put together a very meaningful video during the Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade event that focused on RBS and included very colorful participants to emphasize boating safety.