Experienced boaters need to make the time to attend a Safe Boating Class. Things change, from navigating the waterways to regulatory compliance. Classes are a simple way to get updated.

Boating enthusiasts seeking to obtain the state boating safety certificate are encouraged to enroll in a one-day responsible boating class on the third Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The course in May will be held at the Cypress Lake Presbyterian Church, 8260 Cypress Lake Road in Fort Myers. Completion of the course will make participants eligible for the state boating certificate.

Robert Guenthner, the Flotilla Commander of Fort Myers Beach Flotilla 91, stresses the importance of education and awareness of boating hazards.

“Attending an in-person class is an excellent opportunity for students to interact, share perspectives, and gain local knowledge,” Guenthner said. “Participants learn about the importance of life jackets, risk reduction, preparedness, and exercising sound judgment together with updates for regulatory compliance.”

According to Florida law, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, who plans to operate a boat in Florida waters with an engine of 10 horsepower or more must complete an approved boating safety course and obtain a Florida boating safety ID card. This card certifies that the person has completed the required boating safety course, but it is not a boating license.

The one-day class costs $45 per person and includes study materials. For additional information about boating safety classes or registration for a class, contact Kevin McTaggart, Public Education Officer, cgaux91education@gmail.com, at 239-690-6780 option 1, or www.Aux91FMB.org/Safeboating.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed auxiliary service of the United States Coast Guard created by Congress in 1939. It is comprised of 20,000 members who volunteer their time to support the operation of the Coast Guard, promote and improve recreational boating safety, and provide trained crews and facilities to enhance the safety and security of US ports, waterways, and coastal regions. It is the civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.

Source: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary