Auxiliary safety patrols directly support the Coast Guard's Search and Rescue mission.  Auxiliarists must complete special training programs to participate in safety patrols, boat crew training, coxswain training. Auxiliary specialty courses in patrols, weather, navigation and search and rescue prepare Auxiliarists to perform patrols and when necessary, search and rescue missions. Auxiliarists conduct safety patrols for the specific purpose of locating and/or helping persons and boats in distress.  In most cases, auxiliary safety patrols work for a Coast Guard Operational Commander.  In other cases, the Auxiliary are the only Coast Guard presence the public ever sees and may not have a local Coast Guard Operational Commander.

Auxiliary safety patrols provide a quick response time when assistance is needed.  Boaters should radio the Coast Guard Station, identify their vessel, give location, describe the nature of distress and what assistance is requested. The Coast Guard will then assess the urgency and decide what resources will handle the situation. Utilizing an available Auxiliary patrol or notifying a commercial firm are all possible solutions. Safety patrols are extremely important in providing the public with an opportunity to observe the Coast Guard Auxiliary in action.  A proper patrol enhances the image of both the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Coast Guard.  It develops a sense of belief among members of the boating public that, when in trouble, assistance will be available.

If there are calls for help, the Coast Guard surveys the available resources and if an Auxiliary vessel is in the area usually dispatches that vessel to the scene where assistance is needed. Safety Patrols are performed to help boaters who become stranded or who require rescue assistance.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary is  highly trained to help with emergencies on the water; this training maintains the alert and ready nature of the Auxiliary.  Auxiliarists train all year to become certified crew or coxswain for patrols. This training is the same as that for the Coast Guard, providing seamless operation during the times when the Coast Guard and the Auxiliary work together on a mission.

In a medical emergency the Auxiliary will contact paramedics and speed injured swimmers or boaters to the nearest marina or ramp to receive medical assistance.

If a vessel is in danger, the boaters may be taken off and brought to the nearest marina, or in some cases, the distressed vessel may be towed when commercial tow companies are not available.

Regatta Patrols assist law enforcement personnel by keeping spectators away from marine events.