Coasties Public Relations events are a substantial part of the overall program. The events range from Safe Boating Week to Concerts, and also Parades. Special Children's events, such as visits to Children's Hospitals, and Kids Expositions are great fun with Coastie. Coastie requests include Grand Openings, and Boat Shows. The United States Coast Guard and the USCG Auxiliary request many events for which Coastie is the star attraction. Cities, School Districts, and Commercial organizations request Coastie for many of their local events. As your Coastie gains local and State notoriety the demands for Public Appearance will continue to grow.It is extremely important to remember that whatever the Public Relations event may be, the Boating and Water Safety message must be shared with all who come in contact with Coastie. The USCGAUX is in the spotlight at these events and professionalism is of the utmost importance. There are so many variations with these types of events that it would be impossible to share all the particulars for each one. Communications with the event promoter is the key to knowing what is expected from the Coastie Operations Team.

PARADES

Parades can be handled in two ways. Coastie can be operated on the street, if the street is dry and smooth. Distance is a factor as the battery life is only good for about 1 to 2 1/2 hours under continuous use. Accessories should be operated randomly as using all these power-drawing features will use battery life quickly. It will be important to have one or possibly two back up 12 volt, primary batteries ready to be changed when Coasties functions start to noticeably decrease. Coastie is placed out in front of the Operator who follows Coastie in a vehicle from behind that either can transport him internally or preferably tows a flat bed trailer to place him on, in the event of technical difficulties. The vehicle and trailer should be decorated or carry signs specifying the USCG Auxiliary or Team Organization such as the Division of Watercraft. The primary parades are July 4^Th and Christmas Parades which are the most popular with the Children. Every District will be different and there may be multiple parades to support.The flat bed trailer is the second best way to present Coastie in a Parade as it allows for very little use of the primary battery. Coastie can be tethered to the trailer, which allows for movement but does not allow him to roll off the trailer. We have included some photos of Parades Coastie has attended and the use of the flat bed trailer concept. Coastie also has his own miniature boat bunk trailer that can be towed behind a yard tractor, golf cart, or vehicle. The only drawback is once secured to the boat trailer he looses the freedom of movement that is important as he interacts with the children and adults along the Parade route.

PEN ENCLOSURES

Once you experience the incredible popularity of Coastie you will experience the need for crowd/children control. At large events that are geared primarily for children Coastie is often overwhelmed by the children. They often feel the need to touch and hug Coastie and this can be overwhelming for the operator and the Director up front with Coastie. The easiest way to control this situation is to establish a pen area using four "heavy-duty" posts made of chrome steel of wooden posts with a smooth Finish. These posts are interconnected by rope with chrome clips, which create a barrier to maintain the distance required to keep the children from overpowering Coastie.

SOUND AMPLIFICATION

When attending outside functions that have interfering sound activity it is important to consider that in order for Coastie to be heard a secondary portable Public Address System may be required to offset his own sound system.

HANDOUTS

Our best give away for the Public Relations events are the Coastie Trading Cards. These cards are a favorite for all the kids as it is one of today's growing fads. The card is a colorful and certainly eye catching and has multiple purposes. First of all, it gives the children a way to remember Coastie. Second it helps to send Coasties special message to the children to "Always Wear Your Life Jacket When You Go Boating". The primary purpose is the card tells the parents whom to contact to take a safe boating course while it signifies our mission to educate the public in regard to boating safety. This will be one of your most expensive giveaways in support of Public relations events. The Cards are $30.00 per thousand and are best purchased in lots of 3000.

COLORING BOOKS

Coloring books are another item for giveaways, although they are only used in public education presentations at schools or public relations events where only small quantities are required. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a "Water Fun Book" which are easily acquired in large numbers on request from the Corp. The new coloring book "Boating Fun – Adventure on the Water" is available from the Auxiliary Supply Center and Coastie is featured on the front and numerous places inside. This book is also for educational presentations only.

BOAT SHOWS

As for mission related events, Boat Shows are very beneficial for the USCG Auxiliaries contact with the boating public. Boat shows can have a positive impact on our mission by having Coastie as an attraction at the Auxiliary booth, which draws the children, and intern also captures the adult’s attention. While the children are captivated with Coastie, Auxiliarist can take the opportunity to approach the adults and inquirer as to whether they have taken a safe boating course. Remember even adults fall in Love with Coastie. Coastie also can travel around the show interacting with children, adults, and Marine Dealerships. Coastie passes out the trading cards and tells the kids where he will be. This brings the adults to the Auxiliary booth and allows for interaction between the adults and the Auxiliarist.Another plus at Boat Shows is the effectiveness of PFD Panda and Coastie working together to draw attention to the Auxiliary. Coastie and PFD who give out Trading Cards easily captivate the children and PFD Panda certificates. The adults see the fun the kids are having with Coastie and PFD and this places the Auxiliary is in the spotlight. The opportunity for interaction speaks for itself.

HOSPITAL VISITS

Our most rewarding Public Relations effort is our monthly visits to Children’s Hospital. We spend about four hours going to each floor and to as many rooms as possible in an attempt to bring a smile to the children and parents who are staying at the hospital. Coastie travels along with his Director who talks with the children and try’s to get them to open up and smile. Coastie will sing Happy Birthday and tell jokes and riddles. He will give out coloring books and Coastie Trading cards. He also plays various songs from his CD player and if able the children dance and sing along with him.This effort does not come with out some heartbreak, as many of these Children are critically ill or injured. The parents, Doctors, and Nurses just love Coastie and see the tremendous value of his visits. The event is coordinated through the Volunteer Services Office and they normally supply 2 volunteer staff members to escort Coastie through the Hospital.The patient rooms are very difficult to maneuver in and through as they are cluttered with medical equipment and parent lounges. It is important that the Coastie Operator be experienced in controlling Coastie so as not to damage or interrupt any medical support that the patient is receiving. The escorts will verify with the parents or Nurse as to whether or not Coastie may enter the room.Oxygen is another issue to be aware of, as the Boat is not electrically designed for Hospital use. Sound volume can be a concern, as some patients cannot deal with the noise level from Coasties voice or music especially in a confined area. Overall everyone loves Coastie and can’t wait for him to visit. Remember Coastie must be upbeat and spontaneous and promote a whole lot of fun!

CONCERTS (Outside)

Concerts can be a lot of fun with Coastie prior to the curtain rising. The most important thing to remember is not to compete with other presentations as Coastie can easily interfere, and this sometimes upsets the other presenters. As always crowd control is a must, as many children are not managed by there parents and if you don’t have enough Directors up front with Coastie he can be damaged very quickly. The best device for large crowds is the pen enclosure as you remain in control of how close the children can get to Coastie and interact with him under the watchful eyes of the Directors. Try to find out the theme of the concert as you can customize the tape or even the CD for these events and be a more in tune with the program.The best rule of thumb is to scope out any event in advance and know what you’re dealing with so you will be prepared to handle any issue that might arise.

Have Fun!