They're ready to rescue people and animals from peril on the water at a moments notice, but now the South Jersey unit of the U.S. Coast Guard needs your help.
The Cape May, New Jersey-based unit is in the running to win the Coast Guard's Video of the Year contest.
Their rescue of an 800-pound leatherback turtle ensnared in fishing equipment 30 miles off the Jersey Shore this August was nominated for the yearly competition.
"It was one of my better experiences being in the Coast Guard, just seeing the animal so close and helping marine life," Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Giannaris, one of the turtle’s rescuers, said over the summer.
Giannaris and his fellow sailors do have some tough competition. Other nominated videos include the helicopter evacuation of a container ship crew hurt after being hit by a large wave, high-speed water pursuit training and aircrew members learning how to get out of a sinking chopper.
You can vote for the South Jersey unit by commenting on the Coast Guard's blog post here. Also by liking the video on YouTube and Facebook.
Voting closes on Jan. 4, 2015 and the winner will be announced the next day.
