Winthrop Harbor Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 41-09

06/10/2025

🌊 New Approach to Water Rescues on Lake Michigan 🚨

With a noticeable increase in Lake Michigan-related emergencies over the past year, local departments — including Beach Park Fire Department, Pleasant Prairie Fire and Rescue, Winthrop Harbor, and Zion Fire-Rescue Department — are evolving our water rescue response strategy.

We are transitioning from a traditional only SCUBA diver deployment to a Rescue Swimmer model. This change allows for faster, more agile responses when seconds count.

👨‍🚒 What’s a Rescue Swimmer?
Rescue Swimmers wear streamlined water rescue gear, allowing them to reach victims or their last known location quickly. If the victim is on the surface, swimmers can bring them safely to shore or a waiting rescue boat. If the victim has gone under, these swimmers are equipped with fins and masks to immediately dive for a rapid underwater search.

This past Friday, our departments held a watermanship test to ensure those who voluntarily stepped up for this critical role have the physical capabilities needed. The test included:
✅ 500-yard freestyle swim under 17 minutes
✅ 15-minute water tread
✅ 100-yard swimmer tow in under 5 minutes

🔥 The first official Rescue Swimmer class is scheduled for June 24 & 25. We're proud of the dedication our personnel have shown in preparing to take water rescue to the next level.

05/20/2025

Please share this important U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Information Bulletin with anyone who operates a kayak, canoe or other non-motorized watercraft on Lake Michigan.

05/20/2025

The Village of Winthrop Harbor joined with communities nationwide in the 2025 National Safe Boating Week campaign with a proclamation to bring awareness to the importance of safe boating practices.

06/06/2024

The Winthrop Harbor Flotilla conducted spring inspections of local ATONs

05/31/2024

It was a glorious morning in Kenosha for the USCG Station Kenosha Change of Command Ceremony. BMCS Christopher Skala’s leadership and support as Station Kenosha OIC was inspirational. Congratulations to Senior Chief Skala on his well-deserved promotion to Chief Warrant Officer. Welcome to BMCS Adam Bure, the new Station Kenosha OIC. We look forward to working with you. Thank you to all of the dedicated members of Station Kenosha.

05/22/2024

Keeping boaters in Winthrop Harbor safe.

05/22/2024

At its May 21, 2024 meeting, the Village of Winthrop Harbor Common Council joined communities nationwide in the National Safe Boating Week campaign with a proclamation to bring public awareness to the importance of safe boating practices. Winthrop Harbor is home to the largest marina on the Great Lakes. Pictured (from left to right) are Lennine Occhino of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Mayor Pro Tem Marabella and Winthrop Harbor Fire Department Fire Department Chief Rocco Campanella.

05/17/2024

Thank you to the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department for bringing together its local partners to prepare for their important marine safety mission this season. The Winthrop Harbor Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla was honored to participate in the planning session along with a representative of Coast Guard Station Kenosha.

02/02/2024

Thank you Coast Guard Station Kenosha

Members of Coast Guard Station Kenosha rescued a dog from the icy waters near the Great Lakes Yacht Club in Kenosha Harbor, Wisconsin, today.

01/09/2024

Mission training never stops. It is a pleasure to work with the dedicated WHFD marine unit to share our training resourses

Today, we started a series of trainings with Winthrop Harbor Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 41-09. We are learning safe boating procedures for operations on Lake Michigan next season. Partnerships between agencies are essential for safe outcomes!

12/03/2023

A beautiful tradition.

08/07/2023

Winthrop Harbor Flotilla 41-09 supported North Point Marina’s spectacular 2023 Venetian Night boat parade — a much loved tradition in the Winthrop Harbor community. It was a pleasure to work together with Winthrop Harbor Fire Department Marine 17 to enhance the safety of the event