Boat America Certification Course Offered At Monee Reservoir

The Forest Preserve District of Will County will offer a Boat America Boating Certification Course from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Monee Reservoir.

The program is $35 per person and is for ages 12 or over. Registration is required by Friday, March 31. Online registration is available or call 708-534-8499.

Boat America is a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary certification program that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course. The course is taught by experienced and knowledgeable Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors. Course topics include the following:

• Introduction to boating: Types of boats, boating vocabulary and engine types.
• Boating law: Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, federal boating law, state boating law and reporting accidents.
• Safety equipment: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors and other safety equipment.
• Safe operation and navigation: Buoys and beacons, navigation rules, docking and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
• Boating emergencies: Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers and weather.
• Trailering: Types of trailers, lights, hitches and towing a trailer.
• Sports and boating: Waterskiing, hunting, PWC operation and other boating tips.

The course fee covers the cost of the Boat America workbook. All graduates receive a certificate of completion.

The course will be held indoors in an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online no later than 48 hours before the program.

Monee Reservoir is located on Ridgeland Avenue, south of Pauling Road, in Monee Township.

For more information on the Forest Preserve District of Will County, visit ReconnectWithNature.org.