Be Smart. Boat Safely. Save Lives.
Enroll in a United States Coast Guard About Boating Safely class. The Coast Guard Auxiliary has been teaching boating safety since 1948. Flotilla 87, located on Lake Anna, provides monthly boating education classes from February - November.
Anyone involved in water activities in any way is encouraged to participate in a safe boating course. Whether you are a "first timer" or an experienced boater - there is something for everyone! About Boating Safely enables you to reinforce the skills you already know, and learn more about:
- Boat terminology, handling your boat, and navigation skills
- Safety equipment on your boat and how to use it
- National, as well as Virginia's legal requirements for operating a boat
- How Virginia and national laws affect PWC ( jet ski) operators
- ATONS (Aids to Navigation)
- Navigational lights on your boat and how to boat safely at night or in low visibility situations
Flotilla 87 Lake Anna offers the About Boating Safely classes on the 4th Saturday of each month February - November. (See calendar below for exceptions marked **) This 8 hour course is approved by NASBLA, National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. The class satisfies the 2007 Virginia General Assembly law establishing a boating safety education requirement, which is being phased in over the next several years.
The first phase of this new boating education requirement becomes effective on July 1, 2009:
As of July 1, 2009, all PWC operators 20 years of age or younger shall meet the safe boating education requirement.
To read the entire phased-in schedule of this Virginia state requirement, see "Virginia Boating Safety Education Requirement".
Interested in taking the class?
- Please call or email Jean McCormick for reservations: 571-236-5247 or fsope@a0540807.uscgaux.info.
- The About Boating Safely class is taught at the Louisa County Library located at 881 Davis Road, Louisa, VA from 8:30 to 4:30.
- The cost of the About Boating Safely booklet, related materials, exam and certificate is $20 per person. If two people share a booklet and materials, the second person's cost for the exam and certificate is $5.
- The 8 hour class includes a 30 minute lunch break. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch. Refrigeration is available.
- Bottled water and snacks will be provided throughout the day.
Attention PWC (jet ski) operators:
- Please note: children under 14 are not permitted to operate a PWC (jet ski)
- Teens 14-20 years of age may operate a PWC only after taking a state approved safe boating class, passing the exam, and receiving a certificate of completion. Teens 14-20 must carry this certificate of completion with them while operating a PWC. Obtaining this certificate of completion from an approved safe boating class may qualify you for a reduction on your boat/PWC insurance. Check with your insurance provider.
Special requests for speakers about boating safety:
- If your homeowners association would like a safe boating class just for your community, or if your community or organization wants a speaker to review safe boating practices, state laws and regulations, etc., please call Jean McCormick at 571-236-5247 or email at fsope@a0540807.uscgaux.info.
Class Schedule 2009
Flotilla 87's 2009 About Boating Safely Class Schedule
- March 28, 2009
- April 25, 2009
- May 30, 2009**
- June 27, 2009
- July 25, 2009
- August 22, 2009
- September 26, 2009
- October 24, 2009
- November 28, 2009
Be Smart. Boat Safely. Save Lives!
Keep alert. Maintain a safe speed. Wear a properly fitting life jacket. Have all necessary safety equipment on board. Make sure everyone on board knows what to do in an emergency and where all equipment is located. Enjoy your time on the water!