They have a reputation of working over boaters.
Perhaps you are refering to the US Coast Guard's practice of asking selected boaters to heave to so that a safety check can be performed.
While stationed at a small boat station in a tourist area, I once pulled over a 15 foot open boat with three adults and 5 children on board. There were 3 floatation devices on board (seat cushion-type.) As the grandfather protested, I sent them back to the marina. I had just gotten a rescue call and couldn't escort them in.
After I towed in a fishing boat with an engine fire, I was returning to the station when I happened upon the family of 8 in the skiff. I promptly took the children on board my boat and towed Grandpa and his pals back to the marina.
I guess I really worked them over.
There are some hot dogs who take the law enforcement part of the job way too seriously. Same is true for any law enforcement agency. But Coast Guardsmen in general are about safety above all. We have gotten there too late too many times.