Boating safety classes offered

Submitted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla is offering three opportunities for boaters to take an online, Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.

The course for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power boat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone who was born after Jan. 1, 1955.

The class is National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved for mandated boater education. Successful completion qualifies participants for a Washington State Boater Education Card- issued by Washington State Parks Boating Program (separate application and $10 fee).

Cost: $20 registration plus separate downloaded book for $4.99 – or $30 Registration and receive a printed book. The books may be shared.

The eight-hour course, is broken into two-hour sessions over four days and will be online using Zoom. At the end of the final class, there is a closed book test which we will help you prepare for.

Monday, March 6 through Thursday, March 9

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, April 10 through Thursday, April 13

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, May 8 through Thursday, May 11

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, June 5 through Thursday, June 8, 2023

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)