The Daily Standard's William Kincaid reports:
Whether pulling distressed boats to shore, securing safety perimeters or inspecting vessels, a local crew of civilian volunteers is making the waters of Grand Lake safer to roam.
"And the value of that is we take the pressure off the watercraft officers, the ODNR and (law enforcement) … so that they can do their jobs," Larry Baker, commander of The Grand Lake St. Marys flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, said.
The flotilla is completing its first year as an officially chartered organization and is seeking new members.
"We want to help the lake – the lake's coming back – and we need help to help," Baker said, adding people of all backgrounds, including ex-military, are invited to join.
Applicants are not required to own boats or even know much about them. And, they don't necessarily have to get their feet wet if they can contribute to non-water duties such as treasurer, secretary and deliverer of safety and legal brochures to local marinas.
"All you have to be is 17 years old," Baker said.
Flotilla members will host a recruitment meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Franklin Township Montezuma Fire Department.