Area boaters learn the ropes
with Coast Guard Auxiliary class
Highland Park -- During cold winter nights, suburban Illinois boaters dream of fishing or cruising with their vessels when the weather breaks. Despite the chill, volunteers from the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are busy getting ready for the summer of 2012 with an armada of boating safety classes.
"Safety starts with education," commented Auxiliary boating safety teacher Barney Zaffron. "When you complete 'About Boating Safely,' you will be confident and ready to safely hit the waves."
Boating safety classes for the suburbs can be found at "www.ChicagoSafeBoating.com" ; These classes are taught by volunteers, so they are relatively inexpensive.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary was formed in 1939 to rescue boaters in danger and protect those who use the waterways of our country. The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are now part of the Department of Homeland Security.
One of the best ways to protect those who use rivers and lakes is to teach boating safety classes. "About Boating Safely" is the most popular boating class in America.
On Saturday, April 14, About Boating Safely will be taught at the Heller Nature Center in beautiful Highland Park. The Center is located at 2821 Ridge Road. The course fee is $40. The class starts at 8:30 am and concludes by 5 pm. Zaffron, who has taught hundreds of students throughout the suburbs in the last 5 years, will be teaching this class with other highly experienced boaters. To sign up for the Highland Park class, call 1-630-621-5544. This popular educational presentation will also be offered on Saturday, April 21, in Chicago at the Chicago Yacht Club at Monroe Harbor.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary classes include basic classes such as About Boating Safely. These introductory classes discuss state requirements, routine operations and recognition of safety issues. Other Auxiliary classes include courses on boating maintenance, advanced navigation and how to use Global Positioning Systems.
In the state of Illinois, younger boaters, aged 12-17, are required by law to take a boating class in order to operate a vessel by themselves. If a student successfully completes About Boating Safely, they qualify for the required certificate.
This introductory course uses an exciting power point show to enhance the presentation by the boating experts. Volunteers from the Auxiliary would much rather spend a few hours explaining the finer points of safety than search for a boater in peril.
"Boaters who take the class will have fun and learn a lot," stated Zaffron.
Zaffron noted that the post-course evaluation forms are overwhelmingly positive. Students from 12 years of age to 62 leave the class feeling good about themselves and about the sport of recreational boating. This makes April into a great time to prepare to say "anchors away" in 2012.
For a complete listing of US Coast Guard Auxiliary courses, click on "www.ChicagoSafeBoating.com"; Educated boaters protect their own lives and make water sports more fun for everyone.
For more information, call Bob Allen at 1-630-621-5544.USCG Auxiliary
