Auxiliary members from across the country will compete in several events involving common search and rescue (SAR) tasks to determine a national championship team. The tasks will include a SAR exercise, SAR planning, marlinspike, line heaving, and a mystery event.

Operational training officers, active duty Coast Guard members and auxiliary members, will judge each team and evaluate performances on a point system. The champions will be announced on Saturday at a banquet.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the active duty Coast Guard members to observe how well Coast Guard Auxiliary members perform in their environment," said Auxiliary Rear Commodore East Elect, Bruce Long, events manager.

Congress established the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 1939 and more than 28,000 members volunteer their time to help keep boaters and their families safe on the water. For more information on the Coast Guard Auxiliary please click here.

 Media Note: Any members interested in attending the NSAR competition on Friday should contact, CWO Veronica Bandrowsky at (609) 898-6362.