14 U.S.C. § 88 : US Code - Section 88: Saving life and property

Search 14 U.S.C. § 88 : US Code - Section 88: Saving life and property

(a) In order to render aid to distressed persons, vessels, and
aircraft on and under the high seas and on and under the waters
over which the United States has jurisdiction and in order to
render aid to persons and property imperiled by flood, the Coast
Guard may:
(1) perform any and all acts necessary to rescue and aid
persons and protect and save property;
(2) take charge of and protect all property saved from marine
or aircraft disasters, or floods, at which the Coast Guard is
present, until such property is claimed by persons legally
authorized to receive it or until otherwise disposed of in
accordance with law or applicable regulations, and care for
bodies of those who may have perished in such catastrophes;
(3) furnish clothing, food, lodging, medicines, and other
necessary supplies and services to persons succored by the Coast
Guard; and
(4) destroy or tow into port sunken or floating dangers to
navigation.
(b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the Coast Guard may render aid
to persons and protect and save property at any time and at any
place at which Coast Guard facilities and personnel are available
and can be effectively utilized.
(2) The Commandant shall make full use of all available and
qualified resources, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary and
individuals licensed by the Secretary pursuant to section 8904(b)
of title 46, United States Code, in rendering aid under this
subsection in nonemergency cases.
(c) An individual who knowingly and willfully communicates a
false distress message to the Coast Guard or causes the Coast Guard
to attempt to save lives and property when no help is needed is -
(1) guilty of a class D felony;
(2) subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000; and
(3) liable for all costs the Coast Guard incurs as a result of
the individual's action.
(d) The Secretary shall establish a helicopter rescue swimming
program for the purpose of training selected Coast Guard personnel
in rescue swimming skills, which may include rescue diver training.