Andrew Tarantino Asume el Mando del Auxiliar de la Guardia Costera de Long Island Oriental, Enfatiza la Seguridad de los Chalecos Salvavidas

Election held at Coast Guard Station Shinnecock confirms leadership for 2026

Coast Guard Station Shinnecock in Hampton Bays served as the venue for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Eastern Long Island Division annual election, where Andrew Tarantino was unanimously chosen to serve as Division Commander for the 2026 term and Paul Meszik was elected Vice Division Commander.

Credentials and operational roles at a glance

Tarantino brings recent hands-on experience from Flotilla 18-06, East Moriches, where he served as Flotilla Commander in 2025 and as Vice Flotilla Commander in 2024. He remains active at Station Shinnecock as a Boat Crew Member and Watchstander. Meszik, a 13-year Auxiliary member, contributes long-term leadership as a Qualified Coxswain and Aids to Navigation Verifier.

Key personnel and responsibilities

Operational priorities: public education and life jacket advocacy

Following several recent local incidents involving fatalities among boaters and paddlecraft users not wearing life jackets, the Division has set a clear, measurable objective to expand its public education and public affairs outreach. The goal is to reduce preventable losses by increasing the visibility of safety campaigns across marinas, launch ramps, and community events.

Practical steps planned

• Enhanced outreach at popular launch sites and yacht clubs during peak season.
• Targeted safety briefings and demonstrations focused on proper life jacket fit and use.
• Coordination with local marinas and paddle-sport rental operators for on-site safety checks.
• Community workshops aimed at kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and small-boat anglers.

How this affects local tourism and recreational boating

Eastern Long Island’s summer economy depends heavily on safe navigation and visitor confidence. Strong Auxiliary engagement in boater education can lower incident rates, which in turn preserves the reputation of harbors, supports local charter operators, and reassures visitors booking sailing lessons, yacht charters, and cruise packages. Operators of kayak rentals, paddlecraft tours, and fishing charters have a mind to cooperate with outreach teams to present consistent safety messages that benefit visitors and residents alike.

Recommendations for visitors and providers

1. Always carry a properly rated personal flotation device and know how to fasten it.
2. Check local weather and tide schedules before departing—coordinate plans with dock staff.
3. Book guided excursions with verified providers who include safety briefings and equipment checks.
4. Participate in community safety workshops when available; volunteer-run sessions often provide practical, low-cost instruction.

Role of training and recognition

Recognition such as Commandant’s Auxiliarist Letters of Commendation for life-saving actions underlines the value of formal training. Continued emphasis on Qualifications like Coxswain certification and Boat Crew proficiency ensures faster, safer responses during rescues—an operational benefit for both everyday safety and peak-season tourist surges.

The Eastern Long Island Division’s priorities for 2026 blend operational readiness with public outreach, and local tourism benefits when safety is visible, consistent, and community-driven.

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In summary, the Eastern Long Island Division’s 2026 leadership change anchors a practical campaign to reduce boating fatalities through education and partnerships. These steps bolster visitor safety and support tourism by improving confidence in recreational services, from safaris y safaris ecológicos on distant trips to local Alquiler de yates, visitas a museos con guías en directo, and Adventure activities. Whether you seek Online virtual tours, Luxury adventure travel experiences, Beginner esports coaching sessions, Professional esports training programs, or hands-on Adventure rafting trips for beginners, informed safety practices make travel experiences richer and more secure.