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Yuma isn't seaside but it does have its waterways, and where there's water, there's boats. And one group that knows boats is the U.S. Coast Guard – and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Recreational boaters who enjoy a cruise on the Colorado or the area lakes can brush up on their safety and knowledge with the help of the auxiliary, a volunteer civilian support arm of the Coast Guard. Its sole Yuma representative, Larry Boyles, hopes to share his boating knowledge with the public and recruit like-minded people to do the same.

The auxiliary offers free vessel safety examinations, boating safety classes and occasional on-the-water patrols, among other activities, to relieve the active duty Coast Guard so it can better focus on maritime policing and security.

“We're really about boater safety education,” Boyles said.

For vessel exams, volunteers look for safety equipment like life jackets and flares, and they check out electrical, fuel and waste systems as applicable, along with other elements. Other helpful lessons include area-specific hints, such as about the sandbars in the Colorado River; etiquette tips on how multiple users from tubers to powerboat skippers can share the water; and environmental concerns, such as introducing organisms from freshwater rivers to the ocean.

Boyles has already been out to Mittry Lake with informational pamphlets, and he hopes to visit Martinez Lake soon.

The auxiliary is strictly educational, and has no enforcement authority.

Boyles got his start with San Diego's Flotilla 1-4 about eight years ago, and since moving to Wellton has been a one-man detachment. If he can get about 15 locals together, he can petition to form a separate Yuma flotilla. A Yuma unit could also be attractive for people from El Centro.

Boyles said that there's a need here for an auxiliary presence, especially when winter residents come to town with their boats.

Most equipment is at members' own expense, including boats — personal crafts are not required, but they are desirable. Boyles has a 9-foot-long inflatable Zodiac.

The basic characteristic of an auxiliarian is a love of boating and being on the water.

“Anything else can be trained,” Boyles said.

Potential members must be at least 17 years old, U.S. citizens and have no felony convictions. Women are welcome, and younger people are encouraged to start the tradition early and keep it going. A military background can be helpful to follow the group's structure — Boyles is retired U.S. Army — but is not required.

“We have people from all walks of life and all professions,” he said.

Boyles is available to present to groups, including children, and meet prospective auxiliary members at the local waterways. Email him to make an appointment.