U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 96

05/22/2026

GET YOUR FLORIDA BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION CARD TOMORRROW!
(Required for those born on or after January 1, 1988)

05/21/2026

As part of National Safe Boating Week, Flotilla 96 of Wiggins Pass in Collier County hosted a boating safety information table in the lobby of the Collier County YMCA’s Northern Division in Naples, Florida. Pictured from left to right, Chuck Moore and Bob Babezki staffed the table and shared boating safety guidance. They also spoke with YMCA members about choosing and properly fitting life jackets for children.
Photo by Auxiliarist Robert Babezki

05/21/2026

Flotilla 96 of Wiggins Pass celebrated National Safe Boating Week at the Headquarters branch of the Collier County Public Library. During Children’s Story Time, children launched toy boats in the library courtyard fountain. Auxiliarists spoke with parents about the proper use and fitting of life jackets for young children.
Shown here is John Irwin, Flotilla Vice Commander.
Photo by Auxiliarist Robert Babezki

05/17/2026

Today, May 16, 2026 marks the start date of this year’s National Safe Boating Week. Members of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary work with the community to promote safe recreational boating. The observance of National Safe Boating Week runs through Friday, May 22nd.
Members of Flotilla 96 Wiggins Pass in Northern Collier County were out in force today at Cocohatchee River Park. In addition to performing free Vessel Safety Checks of recreational boats, the Flotilla also hosted an open house at their station located in the park. As boaters entered the park to launch their vessels, they were greeted at the Flotilla’s public information booth. Shown here are member Chris von Zwhel, new member Maja Dobosz, and member Joe Comey in the information booth. Also shown are members John Irwin and Robert Miller performing a Vessel Safety check.

Photographs by Auxiliarist Robert Babezki

05/16/2026

05/16/2026

Recreational Boating Safety was "IN FOCUS" when Walt Delevich, Commander of Flotilla 96 - Wiggins Pass - was featured on the WGCU PBS program Southwest Florida in Focus with Jennifer Crawford.
https://youtu.be/CDklzhq_XPA?t=579

05/15/2026

National Safe Boating Week starts tomorrow!
Join us at Flotilla 96 (15351 Vanderbilt Drive, Naples) starting at 9 AM for these kick-off events:

- OPEN HOUSE – Meet our Auxiliarists and pick up some important/informative boating reference literature (Florida Boaters Guides, U. S. Aides to Navigation System, …). Learn about becoming a member of the Auxiliary, and sign up for our upcoming in-person boating safety education classes taught by certified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors:
-- LOCAL WATERS KNOWLEDGE – Monday 18 May, 6 PM – a must for safe boating in this area!
-- BOAT AMERICA – Saturday May 23, 9 AM. This is an NASBLA certified course in which a boater can earn their Boating Safety Certificate, required by all boaters in Florida born on or after 1 January 1988, and valid in all 50 states.

- FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECK right at the Cocohatchee River Marina boat ramp! 9 AM – 1 PM

05/15/2026

Today, U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 96 participated in an Armed Forces Appreciation Day event hosted by the Avow Hospice in Naples. Over one hundred veterans from all service branches participated in this event.

The program included a panel of five veterans who discussed their experiences in the armed forces. Among them were Victoria Landolfi who represented Air Force veterans, and Auxiliarist Chris von Zwehl who represented the U. S. Coast Guard.

Photo by Auxiliarist Robert Babezki