Coast Guard Auxiliary Offers Required Boat Safety Class

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, IL — Boat operators needing to pass a required boating safety class will have a local opportunity.

Anyone born after Jan.1, 1998, and operating a power boat with a motor more than 10HP is required to have taken and passed an 8-hour boating safety class, according to a release from U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 37-25.

The Auxiliary is teaming with Water Werks Boat Sales, 18660 S. Cicero Ave. in Country Club Hills, to offer the 8-hour Boat America Class. The date is Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The class covers boat types, safety gear, navigation rules (buoys, aids), federal and state laws, emergency procedures (man overboard, hypothermia), and safe operation.

The cost of the course is $45 (cash or check) and is payable at the door. Registration is required and can be done by sending an email to USCGAUX3725@Gmail.com. Registration required by Monday, Feb. 16. Also, for those born before Jan. 1, 1998, many insurers give discounts on boat insurance to those who take and pass the course.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org