A coast guard is a maritime organization that protects a nation's coasts and waterways. Think of them as a combination of lifeguards, police officers, and environmental protectors for the ocean. The US Coast Guard rescues boaters in distress, stops smugglers from bringing illegal goods into the country, enforces fishing laws, maintains lighthouses and navigation aids, responds to oil spills, and patrols harbors and beaches.

During peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, but during war, it can work with the Navy. Coast Guard crews pilot powerful cutters (large ships), fast boats, helicopters, and even airplanes. They train for dangerous rescues in storms and rough seas, sometimes lowering rescue swimmers from helicopters to save people from sinking boats.

Today's Coast Guard members watch the coast to keep waters safe, clean, and lawful for everyone who uses them.