The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary (CCGA) has officially partnered with Mustang Survival. This three-year deal is about mutual support in boating safety and educational initiatives.
This is the first time the CCGA has formed any kind of official partnership. The deal made public April 7, 2025, was solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding. This type of agreement is not legally binding but shows the common interests of each group and lists responsibilities for supporting that goal.
“When I visited Mustang Survival and saw their building with the powerful message, ‘We Save Lives for a Living,’ it was clear that our values are deeply aligned,” said Shari Affleck, executive director of the CCGA. “I knew right then that a great partnership was not only possible but inevitable.”
Mustang and the CCGA strive for zero preventable water-related incidents. Outfitted with Mustang’s award-winning protective equipment, the CCGA is well equipped to help save lives and promote safer practices on the water.
Shari Affleck, executive director of the CCGA, and Kenny Ballard, president of Mustang Survival, shaking hands.
Kenny Ballard, president of Mustang Survival, said, “Our mission to protect life on the water perfectly aligns with the CCGA’s commitment to volunteering, where members selflessly dedicate their time to promoting boating safety and saving lives. We’re proud to collaborate with such a dedicated organization and look forward to making a meaningful impact together.”
The organizations will work together to better water safety education and preparedness through CCGA nationally approved programs, including Kids Don’t Float, Pleasure Craft Safety Checks (PCSC), and Water Safety Education & Awareness public events.
The Kids Don’t Float and PFD Loaner Stations programs promote safe, on-the-water activities across Canada. They provide life-saving equipment and promote boating education and awareness for people of all ages.
The PCSC is a free safety-check offered by the CCGA to recreational boaters. A trained volunteer boards the vessel to verify it has all the required safety equipment onboard and meets boating regulations. In 2024, the CCGA conducted 900 checks. The goal for 2025 is to expand this program with the launch of the new PCSC app.
This is the start of an exciting relationship according to the CCGA, and one that will benefit Canadians on the water for years to come.