Nine auxiliarists from the 5th Northern Region joined their counterparts from other military, law enforcement and first responders groups to provide support for the Feb. 2 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics.

The auxiliarists' purpose was to provide handheld radio communications with the U.S. Coast Guard, Delaware State Police, and Lewes Fire & Rescue boats offshore. Also, they were alert for anyone with medical issues, lost children and anything else that would need attention by event staff and emergency personnel.

Special Olympics Delaware reported participation by 3,252 polar bears who raised more than $725,000. The air temperature was reported as a surprisingly warm 50 degrees with the water temperature a frosty 34 degrees.

Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 12-09 meets in the early evening on the second Tuesday of every month at the CG Station Indian River. For more information contact Flotilla Commander Tom Precht at 302-373-0499 or Vice Commander Tom Mann at 302-258-4453. For more information go to a0531209.wow.uscgaux.info.