If you’ve always wanted to try boating, or you’re a safe boat operator with a desire to grow your powerboat-handling skills or give yourself a boost of confidence behind the helm, now is your chance. TowBoatUS Jordan Lake and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water have teamed up to offer a series of at-the-helm boating courses on Jordan Lake, now held every weekend through early May. The three-hour on-water courses are affordably priced at $179 each.
The four courses offered follow a National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum. “We follow a sequential learning process that allows you to take the one you need, such as Introduction to Powerboating for beginners, or build upon your skills by continuing with Precision Docking & Boat Handling, Open-Water Boat Handling or Advanced Maneuvers,” said Alan Dennison, program supervisor for the BoatUS Foundation.
Additionally, “Women Making Waves,” and all-women course taught by TowBoatUS Jordan Lake’s Capt. Megan Mosier, offers the same curriculum as Introduction to Powerboating and is the perfect opportunity to spend a half-day learning boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment. For ladies with more boat handling experience, the women-only format can also be applied to any of the modules of instruction.
All courses are held aboard 20-foot single engine powerboats under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructor. Class size is limited to a maximum of four students per vessel, ensuring everyone gets quality time at the helm.
The minimum age to participate is 16 years old, and there is a two-person minimum per boat for the classes to take place. BoatUS Foundation On-Water Training programs are offered at 15 locations across the U.S. Sign up at BoatUS.org/On-Water
About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the nearly 800,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), 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. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's largest free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
