If you have always wanted to see what boating is like, or you’re a 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. On-water training provider Boat Safe Great Lakes, Carefree Boat Club, Gull Lake Marine, and the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water have teamed up to offer a series of at-the-helm boating courses in Milwaukee and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and South Haven, Michigan.
The three-hour on-water courses are affordably priced at $199 and held aboard 21- to 26-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 sufficient time at the helm. Courses follow a National Safe Boating Council modular curriculum and are held Mondays through Thursdays.
“Courses 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.
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. The Foundation is rated 4 out of 4 stars by Charity Navigator, an independent charity assessment organization.
