Soon the Chesapeake Bay will be crowded with families — cruising, fishing, waterskiing, and sailing. New boaters and experienced hands will be vying for their piece of the fun. Whether it’s your first season at the helm or you have years of experience, take time this spring to increase your knowledge of on- the-water safety and boat handling.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean, and responsible boating. The nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. “We offer free online state boating courses to help reduce a barrier to boating and greatly increase your chance for a safe day on the water,” said Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner. “More than 1.4 million boaters have taken our online courses.” The no-cost, state-approved course fits into busy schedules, allowing boaters to stop, and then start again where they left off any time of day or night, and is loaded with interactive animations, videos and photos to give boaters an education that goes well beyond the basics of boating. And, at the end of the course, you can easily print your state’s proof of completion.
To take Maryland’s state-approved online boating safety course go to BoatUS.org/Free. At this year’s 3rd Annual Boating Safety Day Event on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Wilson Point Park, 950 Beech Drive in Middle River, TowBoatUS Baltimore/ Middle River has paired with the BoatUS Foundation to offer Boating Safety Rides and On-Water skills training taught by licensed captains. The twenty-minute Boating Safety Ride will give participants an opportunity to learn how to properly fit a lifejacket, how to safely board a boat, and then to take a short cruise around the lagoon to learn all about the necessary safety equipment that should be on board. The boat ride is free. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. BoatUS’ On-Water Training course gives participants a chance to try boating for the first time or simply become more confident at the helm.
Pre-registration is required. The course takes three hours to complete and costs $149 per student. Professional training captains focus on shifting and steering, basic docking, and navigation on a close quarters powerboat handling course.
Do you have a teen in your boat? Crew Camp may be what you are looking for. Join your teen aboard a training vessel for the three-hour course for just $179 for the two of you. Every participant receives a Free Body Glove Float coat for completing the course. Go to www.boatus.org/on-water/ to register. TowBoatUS and The BoatUS Foundation invites you and your family to become educated, safe boaters so that this boating season is the safest season yet on the Chesapeake.
