Boater safety course for Polk County

[Sharon]

Found this article to share in our local paper, thought it might be useful. Locations are given at the end of the article.

Buy a Boat, but Don't Forget Safety Course
By Del Milligan


"Operating safely is seldom taken seriously, more of an afterthought, for first-time boat owners.

The impulse to enjoy the freedom of cruising Florida's bays, lakes and near-shore waters overtakes the wisdom of thinking ahead and being prepared.

Florida, with about 1 million registered boat owners, always competes with California for the most boating fatalities every year. More than 70 deaths occurred on Florida's waters in 2006, and 80 in 2005.

None of them expected danger when they left the dock.

Boating deaths, including several tragedies in Polk County over the past 18 months, seem to have become weekly news in Florida.

Just last week, three family members and one of them's fiancee died off Marco Island even though all were wearing life jackets. Their 33-foot boat is thought to have hit a wave and come apart, although the investigation into the cause of the accident is still under way.

Even experienced boaters can be involved in accidents, but most could be avoided by following the rules of boating safety.

These lessons are taught throughout the year in Polk County by the Lakeland Sail and Power Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, with nominal fees for materials.

Graduates of these in-depth classes, which cover basic safety as well as navigation, reading charts and using radios, will be prepared. And insurance companies offer discounts, aware that students are safer.

The Lakeland Squadron is teaching its next Boat Smart course starting Thursday at Michael Holley Chevrolet in Lakeland.

Classes are on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. through March 8.

The squadron is also teaching a Global Positioning System seminar today from 7-9 p.m. at its headquarters at 1527 Combee Rd. The cost is $10.
Call Richard at 863-295-9788 or the squadron office at 863-667-9047 for information on the Squadron classes."

[Aelbric]

To locate a current US power Squadron course near you, visit them here: http://www.usps.org/newpublic2/boating.html

You can also schedule classes through the US Coast Guard auxiliary: http://nws.cgaux.org/visitors/pe_visitor/index.html

Both sites will locate a class for you based on location.  While you're at the CGAUX site, look into scheduling a Vessel Safety Check.  It's a good way to make sure you're in compliance and that your safety equipment is up to spec before you go out on the water.

[spetro]

Thanks Aelbric  Glad to see I have some help around here   Check out the links I have pinned at the top of the forum...You'll see a TON of links like the ones you shared with us.