The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is helping boaters stay safe on the water with a Boating Safety Training Class.
Certified instructors from the Auxiliary will host their next class on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place at American Legion Post 189, located at 807 Louisiana Avenue in Sebastian.
This day-long course is designed for boaters of all experience levels and is especially critical for those required to carry a Boater Education ID Card under Florida law.
The class fee is $25 per adult, while teens can attend for free. Lunch will be provided for all participants, making it a full day of learning and community.
To reserve a spot, interested individuals can contact Jim Vaughn at 772-559-9549 or jimavaughn@gmail.com, or Thomas McCarty at 401-523-2925 or tgm.uscgaux@gmail.com. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The training class covers a wide range of essential topics, including knowing your boat, preparing to get underway, understanding navigation rules, operating safely, and complying with federal and Florida boating laws. The course also includes practical advice on handling emergencies on the water.
Students who successfully complete the training will receive a Boater Education ID Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This certification is mandatory for anyone born after January 1, 1988, who operates a powerboat in Florida waters.
With the state’s extensive coastlines and waterways, officials stress that proper education is key to preventing accidents and ensuring everyone’s safety.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the uniformed civilian arm of the U.S. Coast Guard, has been promoting boating safety since its creation by Congress in 1939. Today, it supports nearly all Coast Guard missions, from search and rescue to public education.
For more details about the organization and its work, visit www.cgaux.org.
